Team Herald
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PANJIM: Goa Football Association President Caitano Fernandes sought to clarifiy his statement regarding housie and condemned the twisting of facts by his detractors.
The president said that the Association stands by the clubs and will pursue all avenues with the government to protect the interest of the village clubs.
“I have clearly stated that I am against banning of housie during the inter-village tournaments. In fact, we have already met with all South Goa clubs and will be submitting a memorandum to the South Goa collector on Thursday (April 17). People are being misguided. If I am against the clubs and housie, why would I be at the forefront and arrange a meeting with the Collector?”
Caitano questioned.
Fernandes further clarified that parties offering huge amounts in housie prize money needs to be investigated.
“I clearly stated that inter-village clubs offer a maximum of Ra 50,000 to 1 lakh as prize money and ought to be allowed to continue. For this reason, we will submit a memorandum to the government on Thursday. However, the sudden spurt in huge prize money in non-footballing events is what is affecting the whole system. Housie was a game of enjoyment and fun during a football match, but these big agencies that have come outside of football is causing harm to our traditional housie,” he added.
“People still can't digest the fact that since I took over as president, football has improved by leaps and bounds. The football clubs have shown their trust in me and I will not let them down. Those twisting my statements and creating confusion in the minds of the people have vested interest," he added.
Meanwhile, the meeting with all South Goa clubs received a tremendous response with over 40 clubs attending the meeting and signing the memorandum. The signed memorandum will be submitted to the South Goa Collector on April 17, at 11.30 am, at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao, stated a press release.