The ongoing suspension of Nagoa Sports Club has spotlighted simmering tensions between grassroots football institutions and regulatory bodies such as the Goa Football Association (GFA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Club president Alexio D’Costa has openly accused both organizations of systematically sidelining smaller clubs through punitive and opaque decision-making.
According to D’Costa, the club was fined ₹50,000 for failing to participate in a tournament, a penalty that was paid on October 17. Yet, more than six months later, the suspension remains in place, effectively barring Nagoa Sports Club from participating in any official competitions. He claims this prolonged sanction reflects a broader pattern of discrimination against grassroots clubs.
The GFA’s competition regulations stipulate that any permanent club failing to field a team during a season must pay a ₹50,000 fine and participate in at least one age-group tournament the following year. However, the rules do not mention prolonged or indefinite suspensions once fines are paid, raising questions about procedural clarity and fairness in the Nagoa case.
This issue is not isolated. Reports suggest that over 60 Goan football clubs are at risk of de-recognition due to compliance and registration issues. Stakeholders argue that such strict enforcement—without adequate support or communication—risks eroding Goa’s once-thriving grassroots football culture.
As discontent grows, both the GFA and AIFF are facing increasing scrutiny over their governance practices. Critics are calling for more transparency, consistent rule enforcement, and proactive engagement with community-based clubs to safeguard the future of football development in Goa.