PANJIM: Cracking a whip on players’ participation in unofficial football tournaments, the Goa Football Association has decided to issue show-xcause notice to registered players involved in such events in Goa.
GFA President Elvis Gomes will issue the show-cause notice on Tuesday to an unknown number of players – believed to be 10 – a source close to GFA told Herald.
“It has been brought to our notice that many big names (players) plying their trade in Indian Super League and I-League, including other GFA leagues have participated in the local unofficial tournaments held in the State recently. We have identified few players and will issue them the show-cause notice,” said Elvis Gomes.
Goa is a footballing hub and one can witness football tournaments in every village across the State. Most of these tournaments are recognised by GFA but there are many which are conducted without the affiliation of the State football governing body.
However, the lucrative prize amount and short tournament duration attracts many well-known professionals.
“Photographs of certain players playing in such tournaments are in our possession and we will take action against them for their unethical approach towards their professionalism,” informed Elvis.
“We have certain guidelines, rules and regulations for the tournaments and we make sure that all the criteria are met by the organisers. So we have to be particular about the players participation in such conditions,” added Elvis.
“We are doing this in the better interest of the players and the clubs,” said Elvis.
“We will issue these players the show-cause notice and wait for their response,” added Elvis.
The players are also likely to face the ire of the clubs as they are contracted and bound to play for their team and can’t represent any other teams in any local or unofficial tournaments.
The tough stand of the State football governing body came after the suspensions of the five match officials for officiating in unofficial and unrecognised tournaments.
“We have already written to the authority concerned and the referee’s sub-committee has imposed an action for the same,” revealed Elvis.
As per the source, the suspension period is for minimum one year and the similar sanctions will be imposed on the players, if found guilty.
GFA has welcomed the whistleblowers to expose such players and officials, provided evidence is submitted along with the claim for the same.
