Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The greatest fallout of the drastic measure taken by the world apex body for the game was the stripping of hosting rights of the much-awaited FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be hosted by the country in October with the maximum number of matches to be hosted by Goa.
The other ramifications are potentially devastating too. The ban means India will not participate in international events and the situation casts gloom on aspirations at every level, not least the Asian Cup men’s tournament for which India did well to qualify.
There will also be a pall on gloom on AFC club competitions so crucial to be in the frame to realize the ambitions of the country’s football whose stock has been growing steadily in recent times.
And it doesn’t end there. There’s also the possibility of no foreign player signings as long as the ban stays, though, thankfully, those already contracted will continue to play for the various franchises or clubs in the ISL and I-League.
Also, much needed FIFA and AFC development programs as well as grants will be out of bounds.
The news pained Bruno Coutinho, a Goan legend and Arjuna Awardee whose morose voice said it all. “The ban is sad news for Indian football. It will affect the sport at all levels and I sincerely hope that issues are resolved as soon as possible,” he said.
“ We were eagerly looking forward to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup but that is taken away from us. The men’s team qualified for AFC Asian Cup and there are various Asian club championship matches and friendlies that are lined up. It will hamper our progress,” the former international and India captain said.
Another stalwart of the game, Brahmanand Shankwalkar, a goalkeeper of iconic proportions in his heyday, was introspective. “The elections were not held for whatever reason. We were warned of the repercussions for months. We cannot take FIFA for granted,” said the former India captain, Padma Shri and Arjuna award winner.
Shankwalkar zoomed in on the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup that has been taken away as a result of the ban. “There has been a great deal of preparation done by the young team for the World Cup. They may not be one of the top teams but they are doing their best,” he said.
“Work on the ground has commenced, inspections were taking place. Now, there’s a big question mark over the game,” Shankwalkar added.
Clifford Miranda, a former India midfielder, appears to cool things down. “I don’t think the ban is too much of a problem. I think the AIFF will get their house in order soon. Fifa bans on nations have happened before – Zimbabwe and Iraq — to quote two examples,” Miranda said.
“Once changes are made according to FIFA requirements, things will get sorted out. We must remember we must adhere to the Supreme Court and the law of the land. There’s nothing bigger than that.”
Alvito D’Cunha, former international, is crestfallen. “Indian football was doing very well and it’s important that things get sorted out soon. D’Cunha looked at the silver lining: “Now that FIFA has suspended India, it will open the door for transformation of the AIFF. No problem if Indian football has to suffer a bit for now but it will help in restoring its good health. It’s just like taking bitter medicine to clean the stomach.”
Goa Football Association president Churchill Alemao, who wears football on his sleeve, couldn’t be contacted despite repeated attempts.
