MARGAO
The Goa Football Association (GFA) has announced that the Goa Professional League for the upcoming season will kick off on October 2.
Twelve teams will participate in the league -- Sporting Clube de Goa, Dempo Sports Club, Salgaocar FC, Calangute Association. Churchill Brothers FC, FC Goa developmental team, Guardian Angel SC, Panjim Footballers, Youth Club of Manora, Vasco Sports Club, Sesa Football Academy and Velsao Sports and Cultural Club.
The season-opening charity match will be played between defending Pro League champions Sporting Clube de Goa and runners-up Dempo SC on September 19. The dates were confirmed in GFA's executive committee meeting on Thursday.
Last season's bottom-placed team in the Pro League – Sesa FA – has not been relegated as no team could be promoted as the First Division League was not held last season due to the pandemic. However, there will be relegation in the Pro League this season as First Division League winners will be promoted. The First Division League will kick off tentatively from November 1.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Pro League will be played in a new format as the teams will play in two phases. The first phase will see the 12 teams play each other once in a round-robin format. After the first phase, the teams will be divided into two groups of six each. The top six will fight for the trophy and the bottom six will battle to avoid relegation. The GFA will follow strict Covid-19 protocols and vaccination of players has been made mandatory for the clubs.
The GFA has also decided to name the North stand of Duler stadium after late vice-president Lavinio Rebello, who passed away earlier this year. "To cherish his memories, the GFA wanted to dedicate a stand in his name. Late Lavinio Rebello will be a source of inspiration for Goans,” the GFA said. It also decided not to fill the post of North Goa vice-president as a mark of respect to Rebello.
Meanwhile, John Fernandes, an executive committee member, has been inducted into the coaching and technical committee, Jose Francisco Nunes as a member. Babli Mandrekar has been appointed chairman of Futsal and Beach Football.
The GFA has also decided to conduct the Under-20 First Division and Under-18 League, named after late Lavinio Rebello and late Santarita (Babush) Coelho, the chairman of the referees' committee, respectively.
The GFA will conduct the Under-20 Taca Goa League, while the Goa Police will organise the Police Cup from September 21.
