MARGAO: Showing readiness for any inquiry, Churchill Alemao former MLA and patron of the football club: Churchill Brothers has thrown open a challenge before the Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco to prove the allegation against him and his football club.
Addressing reporters at his Varca office on Tuesday, Alemao also clarified that his club is not banned but restricted from signing foreign players till the issue is resolved pertaining to the payment of one of the foreign players. However, Churchill stated that the issue will be resolved and his club will surely participate in the upcoming I-League season.
He charged Curtorim MLA Reginaldo for false allegations against him and his club.
“First of all the Curtorim MLA should gather the knowledge of football as he is unaware about what is the Indian Super League and I-League. Churchill Brothers is not a part of ISL but is still continues to participate in the I-League for the last several years,” said Churchill.
He stated that his club has never taken financial benefits illegally, but the amount of 1 crore per year was under the scheme formulated by the then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar for those clubs participating in the I-League, wherein Churchill Brothers was one among few clubs of Goa playing in the Indian football League.
“I am ready for any inquiry into the matter and hence the Curtorim MLA who has no knowledge and any background of football to go ahead and demand any inquiry. It is my challenge to him to prove the allegations or change his name,” Churchill added.
He further clarified that FIFA has served his club notice pertaining to non-payment of one of the foreign players.
“There were some technical conflicts between my club and the concerned player and the player had approached the FIFA followed by notice,” the former MLA said.
He said that for the last 45 years he has spent nearly 500 crore to run the football club.
Churchill further stated that he has always fought for retaining Dabolim airport and hence the allegation laid down by Curtorim MLA is a totally misleading one.
