Says will seek cancellation of fine on FC Goa, ban on co-owners
the goan I network
CANACONA
The minister, however, told The Goan that recent controversies surrounding football and cricket in Goa due to unsporting behaviour and misconduct are different and that the government has been monitoring both issues separately.
Reacting strongly to the string of penalties imposed on FC Goa by the five-member Regulatory Commission of Indian Super League (ISL), Tawadkar said it was injustice to football in the State. “We (government) will request ISL authorities to cancel the fine and to revoke the ban imposed on FC Goa co-owners, Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo,” he said.
“When the government is doing everything to develop football in the state through GFDC, such a harsh decision will blur all our efforts. We will not allow such penalties from becoming a hindrance to develop football,” said the sports minister.
“But even if one accepts there were some faults on the part of FC Goa, there are other ways of issuing warnings instead of levying hefty fines and bans, which looks to be very extreme,” he observed.
Turning his attention to the controversy involving Goa Cricket Association (GCA), Tawadkar said the government was also closely watching the developments, after the alleged misappropriation of Rs 2.87 crore by GCA was raised in the Supreme Court.
“It’s a wait and watch policy for the government at this juncture. What we know as of now is information only through the media,” said Tawadkar.
“Let GCA carry out its own investigation and fix responsibility and punishment, if any. The government will rise at an appropriate time,” he mentioned and added, “It is up to GCA to salvage its reputation in the eyes of public, but this massive financial misappropriation is also being reportedly investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.”
“The people have reposed their faith and aspiration in the GCA but if there is no transparency, they will think twice before sending their children for selections and tournaments organised by the cricket body. The government will maintain a distance in this matter for now, until some drastic step or intervention is necessary,”
Tawadkar warned.
