PANJIM: In the wake of requests by some contestants to remove Goa Football Association General Secretary (GS) from functioning on the post, President Elvis Gomes clarified that right from the time Election process has begun, the general secretary has been kept out of all election related work with the staff entrusted to carry out the work directly reporting to him and he in turn briefing the Returning Officer Adv. John Abreu Lobo.
He also said all decisions were taken by him or with his concurrence and only the routine work was carried out by the Secretary.
“I would request any contestant to bring to my notice any specific instance of influence on any club by the GS in the discharge of official work. GFA has never stopped its day to day functioning before any of the elections in the past.”
Meanwhile, the GFA issued series of instructions on voting to member clubs about the elections to the executive committee scheduled for this Sunday.
President Gomes has mentioned that clubs have been advised to vote only through the authorised office bearer as reflecting in the list of Electoral College. It may be recalled that this is for the first time the GFA is conducting elections under the revised Constitution under the Sports Code.
“Some clubs were still seeking clarifications and hence it is made clear that only that person whose name figures in the list can enter the hall to vote. Clubs have been informed that any unauthorised entry in the meeting may result in the Returning Officer debarring the club from casting the vote. The clubs have also been informed that the cut off timing to report for voting was 11 a.m. and entry would be denied to those reporting beyond that time,” informed Gomes.
The president also informed that the representatives of the active members should carry the GFA issued identity card. He said that those who had not obtained the card should arrange to obtain it before the close of office on October 27.
