PANJIM: The Goa Football Association (GFA) convened its Annual General Body meeting at Patto, Panjim, on Sunday, marking a successful year of football and second such gathering under Caitano Fernandes’ tenure as the GFA president. Club representatives expressed satisfaction with the proceedings and commended Fernandes and the executive committee for securing the Best Member Association Award at the recent AIFF award ceremony, as well as for their contributions to another successful season.
A surplus budget of more than Rs 4 crore, with representatives of 96 registered clubs in participation, was passed.
A significant decision was made to grant permanent member status to seven provisional clubs that had completed their five-year terms and fulfilled all GFA obligations. These clubs include Bidesh XI Sports Club Assonora, Compassion Football Club, Futebol Club YFA, Laxmi Prasad Sports Club, Patrong Sports Club, United Boys of Ambaulim, and Verem United Sports & Cultural Club.
The association amended rules regarding player eligibility for inter-village tournaments. Players registered in the Indian Super League or I-League will no longer be permitted to hold inter-village player licenses or participate in inter-village tournaments during the same season. Similarly, Goa Professional League players will be ineligible for inter-village tournaments from the league’s commencement until the conclusion of final round matches.
Discussions also focused on revising inter-village tournament rules, particularly regarding match timing and duration. It was proposed that matches should consist of two 35-minute halves, commencing at 4.30 pm with a 30-minute grace period until 5 pm. Teams failing to report within the allotted time would face fines, with their opponents receiving a walkover to the next round. A certain percentage of the money collected as fine will go to the organising committee.
If a team gives a walkover three times in a season it would be suspended for three months and fined Rs 10,000. Another change was the requirement of documents specified for players who are Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders. Either a parent’s or grandparent’s election card will now be required to play. For local players, a residence certificate from the mamlatdar will now be mandatory.
The meeting addressed the organisation of clusters, with the Bardez cluster remaining unchanged. However, the Salcete cluster will be re-evaluated in an upcoming exclusive meeting with clubs from that region in the coming weeks.
Jonathan de Sousa, GFA Vice President speaking to the O Heraldo, said most of the proposals that were presented at the meetings have been accepted. He informed that the surplus budget of more than Rs 4 crore, which was passed, will be used for conducting tournaments, training of referees and other activities.
Souza further added that it was also decided not to allow FC Goa and Sesa Football Academy development teams from playing in the league. However, any team interested in taking part in the league can contact them and play in the league.