PANJIM: Goa is very much known as the land of “The Beautiful Game” in a cricket frenzy nation which has produced some of the biggest clubs in the county along with bright talents in football.
However, with Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pulling out of the I-League, the third Goan club — Dempo Sports Club are also uncertain of their participation in the league, which leaves the Goan football in the dark.
The National league which once featured six Goan teams — Dempo SC, Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, Churchill Brothers Sports Club, Vasco Sports Club and Fransa Sports Club — will now feature none provided debutant FC Bardez make it to the top tier league.
Since the two clubs — Sporting Clube and Salgaocar FC — decided to boycott the I-League following the All India Football Federation Road Map, all eyes are now on Dempo SC as the club president had earlier mentioned that if Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pull out of the I-League, Dempo would also follow the suit.
Speaking to a website, Shrinivas Dempo confirmed that the club is yet to make an official confirmation of exit from the I-League for the upcoming 2016-17 season.
“As far as we are concerned, we are still discussing with the AIFF. There is no official decision (from Dempo) to pull out as yet,” stated Shrinivas.
According to the AIFF proposed Road Map for Indian football, the Indian Super League (ISL) will form the top of the three-tier league system with the I-League and I-League Second Division being relegated as the League One and League Two respectively with no scope of promotion or relegation for a certain number of years.
Dempo SC earned their qualification back to the I-League with their impressive campaign in the Second Division I-League despite being offered direct entry in the league for the 2015-16 season.
“I stick to the same stand that unless there is clarity on the way ahead, it is pointless for us to spend this kind of money. Just spending money for one year after which if we get relegated doesn’t justify the investment because we have to upgrade the team. We cannot play the same team we played in the Second Division,” Shrinivas added.
He also expressed his sadness over Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube’s exit from the current premier division league of Indian football.
“That (Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube pulling out) is not a very good thing. These two teams have contributed so much to the game. But as far as we are concerned we are still introspecting. After (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino’s visit we were a little boiled up because he also remarked in the press conference that legacy just cannot be forgotten. So let’s wait and watch as there may be a month left before a decision is taken,” he concluded.
