Goa has a chance to host the Federation Cup; Will GFA, bounce on the task ahead ?

Goa  can be in for a bumper of activities this year if the Goa Football Association (GFA) agrees to host the Federation Cup in December. “ We wanted Jammu and Kashmir to host India’s premier tournament to broadbase the sport. That is why we chose Jammu and Kashmir first. Unfortunately due to the World Cup qualifiers in June , the tournament had to postponed to December and the time is not right ”, stated All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das to  goalfest.

“But we are not giving up on Jammu and Kashmir. We have already planned to have next years Federation Cup in July and August over there,”stated Das  categorically.

As of now, this years  Federation Cup seems to be in a state of limbo. “ Nothing has been decided as yet about this years Federation Cup. We have asked Goa whether they are willing to play hosts. GFA is yet to let us know,” stated Mr. Das.

“We have not yet decided on any other place . Goa is our destination for this year. We have written to the GFA a few days back and we are expecting to hear from them in about ten days time. If they say no , we will have to look at some other place,” claimed Mr Das.

“ The GFA election is their problem. We have nothing to do with that or it has nothing to do with hosting the Federation Cup. Goa has got a chance , it is for Goa to take it or leave it,” stated the AIFF secretary

“What feast are you talking about? I have not heard of any feast. How will it effect the hosting of the Cup,” asked a surprised Das. “ Goa are best suited . They have the infrastructure and everything is literally in place,”added a confident sounding Das.

Goa has waited through years for an opportunity host the Federation Cup. Glimpses of teams wearing the Cup on their crowns have been glitzed through television. Will this be our chance before the Cup moves elsewhere as the games base is being broadened? 

"Windsurfing Nationals in August," Ashwin Tombat

Windsurfing is a sport that hugs nature. Despite being an expensive sport its basic infrastructure comes in free. With a coast line that Goa has , there is no doubt that the rewards can be plenty. As a matter of fact , from amongst the sports , plenty of awards have been won by windsurfers as in comparison to other sports. Even football – our favourite sport has not managed as many dollies as windsurfing.

Yet, windsurfing finds itself trapped in a sort of a pit hole. One filled by petty politics, Association indifference and government negligence. This impasse , has been going on for too long. However , with a change in government there seems to be, light at the end of the tunnel.

To begin with , the much talked about windsurfing nationals are going to be held in August. “ We could not have the nationals in May because of the lack of people. Volunteers had gone off on holidays. But the nationals are going to be held around the second week of August ,” claims Goa Yatching  Association (GYA) president Ashwin Tombat.

“Windsurfing has received assistance from the government but not exactly enough. We can do with some more help,” asserts Ashwin. “ Many people have helped take the sport forward over the years. People are still representing India now and that is because of the efforts of the GYA,” explains Tombat , as a matter of fact.

Michael was the chief guest at  the annual windsurfing regatta  primarily brought together by former national champion Donald Coelho. And , it was here that he said  “ I admit that the previous government did nothing for this sport. This is a sport enjoyed by everyone who loves the sea. We have so much of it. So, why not use it constructively? ,” asked  Michael.

“ I want the people involved to come forward and meet me. We can draw up a master plan and I am sure the Sports Minister along with Chief Minister , Manohar Parrikar will come out with a way to promote windsurfing. We have to make a proposal,” says Michael.

It is monsoon time now and for a while, the sails will not be seen on the shores. Whenever the weather permits, those enamoured with the game will venture out. Many wondering , whether those involved with the game will make the government realise that windsurfing is a sport worth investing in. Investing , not just for the rich but for those born to be out in the sea.

Windsurfing has seen the different sides of the tango. Just like the dance, it has paused now.  But with Michael Lobo , the GYA  and most importantly Manohar Parrikar’s government, the pause may not be for too long!

Elvis Gomes set to win GFA Presidentship unopposed ?

It is a matter of time. With all eyes on the World Cup , the stage for the post of president of the Goa Football Association (GFA), appears decked for  Elvis Gomes. “ Elvis Gomes is the only candidate so far. No candidates have filed their nominations for any other posts,” stated Mr Vasco Pinho administrative officer of the GFA. The question arising next is: Is Gomes poised to be elected unopposed?

Backed solidly by Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) chairman Dr Rufino Monteiro , Elvis is also  being extended support  by the Goan clubs in the I League and most  Clubs affiliated  to the GFA. Much is expected from Elvis by football afficiandos as he has already received support from the government headed by Manohar  Parrikar. Being a senior civil servant , his candidature has already been cleared quite a few days back.

Though the elections are due on July 27, the election procedural wheels have already been set in motion.  Justice G.D. Kamat has been tipped to be the returning officer. Judges have played the role of returning officers in the past and GFA seems to be following the pattern this time too. However, there is a minor hiccup, this time around.

Justice G.D Kamat is the current  GFA arbitrator . By virtue of his post – all disputes , if any , are settled by him. Hence , the question : Isn’t there a conflict of interest? Can a person settling disputes , run the election process?

“We have not yet decided on anyone individual to be the retuning Officer. The Executive Committee will meet one of these days soon to decide on the Returning Officer. I do not know who, “ asserted Mr Pinho when asked about the candidature of Justice G.D. Kamat.

As far as history goes, Shivanand  Salgaocar was the last person to have won the election to the post of GFA president unopposed. That was quite a long while back. Elections have been fought after that but with little acrimony. No doubt , there were straight fights and it was the best man that took the cake home.

There is a cake this time too. However, it looks like it is being surrounded by wise men. “ We are seeing a person like Elvis after a long while. His vision has a different determination. Times are changing and Elvis has already taken a march forward in these changing times,” retorted a former secretary of GFA.

Apart from youth development ,  FIFA in particular, is looking at community development as  an implement to propel football forward. Elvis Gomes has understood these attributes well and is seeing them through GFDC , of which he is the Member Secretary.  This is one of the ingredients of the cocktail that today sees him marching towards the presidency of GFA unopposed.

Goa Olympic Association on a bumpy electoral ride?

Sports in Goa seems to be going through the proverbial syndrome of ,”you scratch my back , I scratch yours”. If not during selections, it happens during voting time. Carrying the proverbial horse to the water is the Goa Olympic Association (GOA). Perhaps not . But , there are elements who are disgruntled. Sandeep Heble is one of them. He has shot- off a letter to  Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar  accusing general secretary Gurudatta  Bhakta of violating fundamental rules whilst preparing to hold  elections on July 7.

 There are no dates fixed to file nominations nor has a returning officer been fixed. No nomination forms have been sent nor has a list of members been circulated, as per the notice sent to the president/secretary of state sports affiliated associations, Goa by Gurudatta.

“Everything is done under unanimity. The elections have been very homogenous for the last twenty five years. We are adhering to the constitution,” states GOA general secretary Gurudatta  Bhakta. “ I do not know whether I will stand or not. Who stands will be unanimously decided on the day of the meeting,” insisted Gurudutta.

Ironically, the  copy of the guidelines to hold elections issued by the Government of India states: “Elections to sports bodies should be governed by clear , transparent  and fair rules which in our views should include a clean electoral roll known to the public in advance, an independent returning officer and secret ballot”.

“ We are following the IOA guidelines. The GOA constitution needs to be amended  for us to follow the guidelines issued by the Government of India. I have no problem with that. But , I as an individual cannot amend the constitution alone,” laments Gurudatta Bhakta.

“Although  I have my differences with Gurudatta, we tend to resolve them amicably. When one is the general secretary of GOA , one needs time. Gurudatta  has the time and he is doing the best he can,” asserts Vero Nunes ,president of the Goa Table Tennis Association (GTTA).

“ The IOC has come out with new guidelines in regards to elections. If the general secretary of GOA is standing for elections then I am sure a retuning officer will be appointed. I do not know who is standing for elections “, retorted Lenny Gama of the Goa Boxing Association (GBA).

“ As I have said, elections were always held in a cordial atmosphere. A returning officer was never appointed prior to the election. Even nominations for various posts were done during the meeting.” asserted Gurudatta.

When it comes to elections to the council the GOA constitution states,” The names of  such (proposed candidates for elections) ,if any, shall be communicated by  the member club in writing so as to reach the Honorary Secretary General  eight days before the date of the general  meeting  at which the election is to take place.”

Maybe , the elections to the GOA were not a bumpy ride before. But , times are changing. Perhaps it is time for the GOA to ring in the changes before the bells toll for those trying to muscle out, those trying to move in.

After losing appeal, Churchill's focus must be on players future !

The doors have been slammed on Churchill. They have been bolted hard giving the owner of Churchill Brothers Sports Club little room to manoeuvre through. “ The appeals committee was the last body to appeal to as far as licensing was concerned. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has no more appeals body.

 The Appeals committee decision is final,  as far as the decision of the First Instance Body is concerned. Churchill can only appeal to the CAS (Centre for Arbritation on Sports) in Switzerland.” stated AIFF general secretary Kaushal Das in an exclusive interview to goalfest.

“Constitutionally there is no more recourse except for the CAS. I do not want to comment on any talk that is based on hearsay and not facts,” stated Das. “ The CAS is the last forum in sports. We have not received any appeal at the AIFF. Which committee ?,” asked Kaushal Das.

“Most of the players must have signed contracts that end on May 31. There may be other players who have signed longer than that. But , there must be some clause in the contract that could see the players out. There are some contracts that have a clause that releases players once a team is disbanded”, stated Mr Das when asked about what happens to players caught in a piquant situation like the ones in Churchill’s team are finding themselves in.

With Churchill utterances that he would file an appeal with the AIFF , players have found themselves in a quagmire of sorts. To be or not to be with Churchill? Where does their future lie ?  Do they have a future with Churchill Brothers Sports Club?

“ I have signed a contract with Churchill that extends  beyond May with the Club. But , it also states that if my two months salary is not paid, the contract is void.” Stated a player on Churchill’s roll ,looking for secure pastures now.”But what happens to the others? Churchill says he will fight an appeal but we do not know whether an appeal is allowed. The AIFF should come out with a whether an appeal can be filed ,” he added categorically.

“There is no system in place where the players can be looked after if Churchill disbands his team.  Unfortunately , there is no mechanism that has been worked. The AIFF cannot interfere in  a contract between a player and a club,”  pointed out Das when asked whether AIFF would or could step in to help players who fear being left in the lurch.

“ The AIFF can definitely intervene if a player or a club files an appeal regarding something about a contract. Most such cases are settled after mutual compromise between the two party’s. There are no hard or fast rules,” disclosed Das after prompts.

The AIFF are now clear on the options available to Churchill, his team and his players.  The road is pretty clear. There are no turns and twists . It is the future of the players that is crucial. It is the player who make sports. They have played their games for Churchill. Isn’t it time to stop playing games with them anymore?