THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has denied the allegations raised by a section of bidders that the Santa Cruz ground artificial turf will be from Chinese companies.
The SAG stated that it would give preference to the turfs manufactured in America, Europe and Australia.
“Turf manufactured only in America, Europe and Australia are valid for acceptance. At present we have received four and stringent scrutiny is going on,” stated SAG Executive Director VM Prabhu Desai.
“The bidders have quoted in turfs manufactured in Germany, Canada and Netherlands, which is FIFA preferred, the highest FIFA brands. One bidder, who wouldn’t qualify, has bid for FIFA license instead of FIFA preferred brand, thereby disqualifying themselves, though their brand is from the UK,” Prabhu Desai added.
SAG ED further stated that they wouldn’t compromise on the quality of the ground and would adhere to all norms to ensure best ground for the locals of St Cruz.
“Soil testing at the said ground will be done before the sub-base work is started and after completion of the turf work, the entire turf work will be tested by an FIFA approved independent agency, thus taking care of all the apprehensions raised about the turf,” he added.
In the ultimate analysis, the turf that will be laid at St Cruz ground will be of world standard according to the Executive Director of SAG VM Prabhu Desai who has assured that all the precautions have been taken in the tender.
The turf, once completed, will qualify for holding official matches conducted by AIFF, GFA, SAG, DSYA, Goa University, apart from village panchayat, educational institutions, local GFA affiliated and non-affiliated football clubs
