MAPUSA: The Goa Football Association (GFA) were strongly against the All India Football Association’s (AIFF) decision of not allowing more than three I-League teams from Goa, considering them as a city/venue for the upcoming season.
As per the AIFF’s new decision, not more than two teams from any particular venue/city would be allowed to play in the I-League except for Goa and Kolkata, given their contributions to the sport over the years.
“We had written to the AIFF to revert this decision. They (AIFF) consider Goa and Kolkata as a city, which is not right. Goa is an independent State and we have a good performance in football,” said GFA president Elvis Gomes, at a press conference held at the GFA headquarters, in Panjim, on Thursday, after the newly elected committee met for the second time.
The 2012-13 I-League champions Churchill Bros Sports Club which was forcefully relegated to the 2014-15 Second Division I-League for their failure to fulfil the Club Licensing criteria, are said to have completed the necessary formalities and if they do qualify for the elite league next season, The Red Machines will be deprived of playing in front of their home fans. It must be noted that last season, three Goan clubs finished in the top-five of the standings.
However, GFA has come in support of the Varca-based club and will also request the AIFF to allow them in the top flight which is said to commence in January, 2015.
Meanwhile, GFA is looking out for title sponsors for the upcoming Goa Professional League which is said to commence on August 24 with Dempo Sports Club taking on Vasco Sports Club in the opener, at Duler Stadium, here.
GFA’s promoters Procam International have back-tracked after failing to rope in a title sponsor. However, GFA are closing on a deal worth 35 lakhs with Transstadia.
“We have invited Transstadia to negotiate but we cannot declare the title sponsors as of now,” informed Elvis.
The GFA announced Digambar Haldankar from Calangute as the Charity Cup benefactor. The Charity Cup match will be played between Dempo SC and Sporting Clube de Goa, on August 17, at Duler Stadium. The tickets will be priced Rs 50 for the general and Rs 200 for the VIP section.
In a move to popularize the Goa Pro League, the GFA will be keeping the gates for school students open at the North stand and pricing the tickets for the other spectators at Rs 30 each.
Pro League Clubs are entitled to benefit 75 per cent on the season ticket sales which is priced at Rs 1,000 while the remaining profit will go to the GFA. Other division clubs will benefit 50 percent share instead.
