TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The GFA deserves a special award now as once again their official match, this time Taca Goa Under-20, had to be called off as there were no referees at Poriat ground, Calangute, Friday. Such happenings are become very common and what’s surprising is that these keep on repeating. So much for the much-talked professionalism.
Both teams, Sao Miguel de Taleigao and Salcete Football Club reported at the venue as per the schedule, but had to go home totally disappointed as there was no sign of the referees at the venue, with the organizers unable to give any explanation since the appointment of referees is done by the GFA.
It is learnt that the referees committee chairman Benjamin D’Silva had appointed Jayendra Nagvekar to be in-charge of the referees appointments. It could not be ascertained whether the appointments were made it the first place as the mobile number was not reachable.
This being the season for inter-village tournaments, there is big demand for referees for such events which is more remunerative, but once the intimation has been sent to the referees by the GFA, if at all, it is mandatory for them to supervise official matches, an official remarked and added that the GFA also woke up too late in organizing the under-20 tournament at this late stage when actually it was planned for November-December. This was also Wilred Leisure’s contention for withdrawal from the championship. The others to have pulled out are Bhagwati SC, Ave Maria Athletic and Walkers Club.
Overall, it is the GFA administration that has come in for severe indictment for its poor performance by its committees for some time now.
