PANAJI
FC Goa condemns the acts of premeditated vandalism that took place on Sunday at the Salvador do Mundo Village Panchayat ground, the Club’s practice ground since the start of the 2020/21 season by the members of the panchayat-led by Sarpanch, Antonio Fernandes, according to a press note.
In a press note, FC Goa states that as part of its attempts to create a greater bond with the local community and create local hubs for football, the club entered into a 3-year partnership with the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat in May 2020 with the intent to further grow the Goan and Indian football ecosystem.
The partnership entailed the development of two football grounds - one of which had been playing host to the FC Goa first team as its practice ground. The other was developed for the use of the panchayat and the local residents with the primary aim of providing a good playing ground for the locals to avail.
However, on Sunday afternoon, without any prior intimation and in an attempt to gain local political leverage, the football pitch was desecrated as the turf was dug up and later filled with concrete.
The actions are in breach of the MoU signed and FC Goa refuses to be intimidated by these acts and will endeavour to explore all legal options available to mitigate the matter at the earliest, adds the press note.
