Candidates gear up for GFA elections

Candidates gear up for GFA elections
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 14
The elections to the new Goa Football Association (GFA) executive committee under the newly approved constitution will be held on October 24 with September 14 (12 noon) being the last date for filing nominations.
The elections will be supervised by the Returning Officer for the first-time ever. In the past it was the executive committee which itself scrutinized and conducted the elections. The Returning Officer, who has to be a retired judge or an advocate with at least ten years standing, will be nominated soon, it is learnt.
The scrutiny will be done on September 14 and, if need be, on September 15. Withdrawals will be permitted upto October 8. Filing of nominations will start on September 1. The format, rules and regulations will be vetted by the Returning Officer.
The elections will be for the following posts – president (one), vice-president (two – North and South Goa), 14 members (4 Salcete, 3 Mormugao, 4 Bardez, 3 Ilhas).
Some present committee members who have almost decided on contesting the elections, are Peter Vaz, Savio Messias, Lavinio Rebello, Anju Albuquerque, Anthony Pango. The names of Jaju Fernandes and Lawrence Gomes are also doing the rounds while treasurer John Dias is yet to make up his mind. Curtorim’s Arnaldo Costa and Dionisio Sardinha and Santa Cruz’s Mariano Araujo have shown keenness to contest the elections.
Meanwhile, several clubs have already approached PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao requesting him to contest for the post of president. In the last elections, his brother, Joaquim, who is the Urban Development Minister, had won the elections in a straight contest. This time, he has made it clear that he will not contest.
In the last elections, a prominent Salcete personality had thrown his full weight around Joaquim. Whether, he will now support Churchill this time is uncertain for he does not seem to enjoy a very good equation with Churchill. Some in the know of things, apprehend that a third person could be fielded in such a scenario.
In any case, it is too early to have a correct picture of the scenario which will be clear just a day or two before the final date – September 14. But one thing is sure – candidates have begun making their moves and those who manage from behind have already arrived on the scene.
Active referees, coaches and players have been debarred from contesting the elections.
Meanwhile, the general body meeting on October 24 will also consider the proposal of some clubs to change the inter-village football tournament rules which were approved at the meeting held in July. There are nearly 31 appeals, mostly from Bardez clubs,  for inter-club transfers for inter-village tourneys by players and these will be taken up at the October meeting.
Meanwhile, the Charity Match will be played on August 21 either at Tilak or Duler while the Goa Pro League will kick off on August 28.