Team Herald
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PANJIM: The annual general meeting of Goa Football Association approved the Revised Private Tournament Rules as directed by the GFA Arbitration Tribunal ending the year long saga which affected several inter-village tournaments and player licence cards from January 2025.
It may be recalled that the last Extra Ordinary General Body meeting held in July 2024 deliberated on the revision of the private football tournament rules. However, just one cluster of South Goa remained inconclusive, specifically pertaining to the cluster of Guirdolim/Chandor.
The last annual general meeting then asked the GFA Executive Committee to sit with the affected clubs and decide the clusters however that meeting too remained inconclusive. Concluding that the uncertainty would be detrimental to the several village clubs who were being affected by the non agreement of the affected cluster clubs the GFA Executive Committee decided to go ahead with the rules.
However, the Arbitration Tribunal directed the Executive Committee to seek clarity at the general body again.
During the discussions at the meeting, it was unanimously resolved that the matter be put to vote at the general body between the affected clubs. United Boys of Ambaulim, Guardian Angel SC, St Anthony's FC, Assolda and Fr Agnelo Sports and Cultural Club, Paroda, resolved that they had no problem with the revised cluster.
Chandor Club and Guirdolim Club voted against the motion. Thereafter, the final inter village clusters were approved as under - Cluster No. 11 of Salcete Taluka as Guirdolim/Chandor and Quepem Taluka will comprise of two clusters - Curchorem/Assolda/Xelvona/ Xeldem as the first cluster and Ambaulim/Deao/Avedem/Paroda as the second cluster.
Speaking to the mediapersons, President Caitano Fernandes said, “I am happy that finally the issue has been resolved and we can now implement the rules from tomorrow. There were issues created by a few disgruntled elements and the general body meet has rightfully shown them their place. Clubs are extremely happy with the good work that we are doing and a few issues here and there will not affect my resolve to work for the clubs.”