Team Herald

PANJIM: FC Goa for the first time will make an entry into the Goa Professional League with the Goa Football Association approving the plan for 12 teams in the League to make way for FC Goa in the State’s top tier League during the executive committee meeting held at GFA office, Panjim.

Sources in GFA confirmed the club’s interest in participation but The Gaurs has asked for some more time to fulfill the other requirements to join the Pro League.

“We are adopting a pyramid system which was mooted some years ago after flaws were pointed out in the present format by the football experts,” informed GFA President Elvis Gomes. 

In order to adopt the pyramid system the committee approved 12 teams in the Pro League, 14 teams in the GFA First Division League, 40 teams in the Second Division League, and the remaining in the Third Division League. 

“This arrangement is perfect for orderly movement of teams upward. Earlier, there were more teams at the top and fewer teams at the First Division, which was criticised by many football experts. With this development, we have overcome the abnormality,” stated Elvis.

It was also decided that Taca Goa U-20 (Division One) League 2017-18 will commence from September 18, before the Goa Professional League, which is scheduled to begin from the first week of October.

The committee declared that the family of late Kevoy Fernandes, referee and coach, whose life was cut short due to a tragic accident, as the beneficiary of the charity match that will be played between Salgaocar FC and FC Bardez on August 27.

Meanwhile, the executive committee cleared the proposal for construction of two dressing rooms with international specifications and two VIP lounges, at Duler Stadium. 

Gomes said that Duler Stadium will be able to host more professional teams as the impediment of non availability of good dressing rooms will be removed. The work for the same is scheduled to begin within a month and the project is expected to be completed within the next six months. 

“Two VIP air-conditioned lounges that will have conferencing facility and a viewing balcony will be offered to the club managements that play their respective matches at the stadium,” he added.

The committee also reviewed the conduct of certain players who despite earlier warnings, continued to play in various inter-village tournaments despite being under suspension. A penalty of Rs 15,000 has been imposed on the said players instead of disqualification from playing for a period of one year.