MARGAO
The ensuing Goa Football Association (GFA) elections to be fought on October 30 will witness a tough fight for several posts, with a triangular fight for the president's post. However it has been observed that several nominations have been filed by candidates which are in contravention of the GFA Statutes.
It has been observed that several active players, coaches and government servants have filed nominations for various posts in the Executive Committee. As per Art. 28 of the GFA Statutes, a government servant shall not hold elective office for more than one term or four years, whichever is less. However, at least two nominations have been filed by government servants who have already served in the GFA earlier.
As per Art. 25.h.3, not more than two members from an active club can contest for a post on the Executive Committee. But two members from one club have filed for posts. Further, Annexure A Clause 6 for the procedure to conduct elections states that a contestant shall not be an active player, referee or coach for a period of one year. However, several players and a coach have filed nomination papers.
Meanwhile, one person who has filed his nomination for the president's post has been a late entrant as an office bearer as per Art. 22.2 of the GFA Statutes. In fact, the persons name has been added as an office bearer at the last moment. The same may be said for one person from a Salcete taluka club.
It remains to be seen how the returning officer deals with these delicate issues ahead of the hotly contested elections.
