Team Herald
MARGAO: Housie organisers and volunteers have slammed Goa Football Association (GFA) President Caitano Fernandes for referring to a “housie mafia” and accused him of maligning a cherished Goan entertainment tradition that plays a vital role in supporting grassroots football and cultural events.
Fernandes, who recently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister calling for an enquiry, spoke about a few “housie mafias” that tarnished the 70-year-old tradition of the popular game – also known as Tambola – and triggered the recent ban imposed in South Goa under the Gambling Act. He claimed certain high-stakes housie events, with prize money running into tens of lakhs, warranted government scrutiny and investigation into their funding sources.
But his remarks have not gone down well with those involved in organising housie events. “GFA’s Caitano Fernandes has crossed all lines by calling our proud Goan brothers ‘mafia.’ This is not just an insult – it’s a disgrace,” said Warren Alemao, an activist from Benaulim. “These are the same people who use housie as a means to fund village-level football tournaments and cultural events, especially when government support is lacking.”
Alemao further alleged that Fernandes may have an ulterior motive in targeting housie organisers. “Is he speaking for those who stand to benefit from a complete ban on housie? Or is he trying to distract from the serious issues plaguing the Goa Football Association, such as match-fixing and mismanagement?”
Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that housie is deeply embedded in Goan social life, from family feasts to church fêtes and music festivals. “To refer to the organisers of such events as criminals is offensive, and damages the spirit of Goan community life,” said a senior volunteer from Salcete involved in cultural programming.
However, Fernandes defended traditional housie as a modest fundraising tool – citing ticket prices of Rs 50-100 and prizes usually not exceeding Rs 5,000, apart from rare sponsorship-backed finals, when tournaments receive sponsorship from MLAs, ministers, or businesses with a prize kitty of Rs 50,000-1,00,000. The revenue generated helps clubs organise tournaments across first, second, and third divisions, especially important since many clubs face financial constraints. Fernandes noted that registered clubs submit audited financial statements to the Registrar of Societies.
The backlash comes in the wake of an order from South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus, ordering an immediate ban on housie earlier this month, following reports of games offering prize money up to Rs 25 lakh. The Collector has appointed officials to monitor compliance and submit weekly reports.