Augusto Rodrigues
The first Executive Committee meeting of Goa Football Association (GFA) chaired by interim President Anthony Pango on Saturday has decided to hold elections on October 30.
“The High Court order which went against Churchill Alemao approved the Statutes of July 2018 and based on the order we have decided to hold elections,” stated Welvin Menezes, former secretary of GFA.
“The GFA has also decided to write to All India Football Federation (AIFF) informing them of our decision,” added Welvin.
The new executive committee of AIFF headed by Kalyan Chaubey is scheduled to call for an AGM on October 15 with the main point of the agenda being approving the Draft Constitution.
The Draft Constitution of AIFF mandates that a member of the Executive Committee needs a four-year cooling off period after serving two terms – eight years.
Art 26.3 of the Draft Constitution states: “All Office–bearers of the AIFF, other than eminent players, shall hold office for a maximum period of 12 (twelve) years, however, subject to serving a maximum of two successive terms of four years each. After completing the second consecutive term referenced above, a person who has held any of these posts shall be eligible to seek election to the same or any other post only after a cooling off period of at least four years.”
State associations are supposed to adapt to the new AIFF constitution once it is approved. Under such circumstances, many present GFA executive committee members will be unable to contest the forthcoming elections.
However, things could be different if AIFF permits GFA to hold its elections based on its 2018 Statutes. “If AIFF allows elections it is OK. Otherwise, we will have to wait. I do not know anything about the process being followed by AIFF,” said Welvin.
The Goa Professional League that is scheduled to start from October 3 was also discussed with many members unhappy with the manner the tournament is being held without any sponsor.
“I told the committee that we have a gentleman by the name of Caitano Fernandes who is ready to sponsor the tournament for Rs 30 lakh. There were members who opposed the sponsor on the basis that Caitano wants to stand for elections and it would be a conflict of interest if he sponsors. The point is that we are getting a sponsor when GFA does not have one,” stated Cosme Oliveira, executive member, from South Goa.
“It is not possible to organise Goa Professional League without a sponsor. The remaining members should be happy that we are getting a sponsor. They are not happy and they cannot get another sponsor. The players and teams will stand to suffer,“ stated Cosme.
Caitano Fernandes and former secretary Welvyn Menezes are front runners for the post of GFA President. If AIFF prohibits GFA from holding elections outside the purview of the constitution it is expected to adopt on October 15, Welvyn is out of the fray and so are many other members.
A yes from AIFF will indicate that all executive members are eligible to stand for election whilst a no would mean that most will have to sit out.