Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: In yet another twist, Sesa Football Academy has refused to play their final league match of the Goa Professional League against Salgaocar FC which is scheduled to be played on April 26.
In a letter to the state association, Sesa FA team manager Joyner Antao stated that one of their team official contracted the virus and said, “I would like to inform you that Sesa Football Academy won’t be playing their match on 26th April against Salgaocar FC as the team & officials are already under self isolation for 7 days.”
Sesa FA further stated in their letter, “For us the safety of our players, the officials and their families is more important. As informed to you earlier that one of coach who is covid positive came in contact with the entire team of 29 players and 11 support staff, we cannot take a chance as cases are rising.”
The Goa Football Association’s GPL season which commenced in January was suppose to conclude by April 15. However due to constant postponement requests by the clubs, the league is left with three games to be played.
It is learnt that the State Association President Churchill Alemao had personally requested the academy team to complete the match proceedings keeping out the official so as to complete their final league fixture.
It is given to understand that, earlier in the past, despite A technical staff of a top GPL club contracting the virus, the team ensured that it didn’t hamper their league proceedings and completed their fixtures after undergoing COVID tests and this is just one case among many others. Many others kept their covid positive players aside and completed their fixtures.
However, the Academy team turned down the request and said, “We also understand your request for cooperation, but we also care for our players and everyone involved. So we won’t be playing the match on April 26.”
The state association earlier had postponed many Sesa Games due to similar reasons.
It can be noted that GFA had recently docked Sesa FA points and if GFA doesn’t change their fixture, this would see the academy team relegated to the first division. It could also hamper the title challenge as Salgaocar would get three points.
