The safety of the players and the support staff will have to take precedence. Since matches will be held in empty stands social distancing will be well maintained,
apart from it, temperature screening of all personnel, change in arrival and departure schedules will have to be maintained to minimise contact. The stadium will have to be disinfected and this will have to be overseen by local health authorities on match day. Ball boy should not exceed 5 or 6, they should be provided with a hand sanitizer and disposal gloves must be used while in the playing area. The buses in which the teams travel in should be disinfected and importantly teams should have the option of using 2 buses to maintain physical distancing. No more than 300 people (stadium staff+ players+ officials) can be present at a stadium on a match day. I can think of so many more but it is important we conduct this safely because it’s happening in Goa.
Clesito Fernandes ( FC Goa Fan Club member ) Fatorda
We are really happy that Goa has been chosen to be the host for ISL. Although we are sad that the matches will be held under closed doors the enthusiasm to support our club remains unchanged. It is in the interest of the health and safety of the players, coaches, technical staff, and fans. Having closed-door matches is no easy job for organizers but if we need to fight against this pandemic it is important we follow the protocols set by the MHA and WHO. I would like to wish Team FC Goa and all other teams across the league all the best and we hope a vaccine comes before the end of ISL 7.
Ashley PO, Self Employed Caranzalem
I am really disappointed and heartbroken as we won’t able to enter the stadium and support the Gaurs like the previous season. The government should try and ensure at least 20 % of spectators be allowed following social distancing and showing the documents like COVID 19 Negative certificates and having Thermal screening at the entrance. It is sad that we won’t be able to enjoy the chanting and the band of the Gaur Army but we will still watch on TV and support our players in our homes and workplaces.
Ritesh Raikar, student Colva
i am glad that Goa will be the host of the ISL. It is the perfect opportunity for Goa to follow the strict rules of the WHO and successfully conduct the league. it will be a benchmark and befitting example for other sporting activities across the nation to restart professional leagues in various fields. and if Goa can prove itself it will be a great success story even bigger than winning the league. It will also be a great relief to the hospitality sector but it is very important that players and officials are kept in isolation and no direct public contact is allowed as one mistake can cost the team as well.
Savio Mesquita, Self Employed Caranzalem Panjim
As pandemic put a hold on everything, it’s good Indian football will be coming back, now with the ISL happening in Goa, it will mean less traveling as compared to other states. Easy access to hotels and improvement to practice grounds will be helpful for everyone. It will improve the infrastructure although playing without fans will be a big test for the teams. The virus is still around and we have to be careful because it cannot be allowed to spread and it will be important that the sops be followed.
Sahil Naik, East Lower Army, Usgao
With the ISL scheduled to be held in Goa behind closed doors, the fans will miss out on a lot of fun, fanfare, and seeing our players live in action. The players will also miss the live support. Now with everything online, it would be nice if the ISL has a special platform where all fans
