MARGAO
Two senior members of Goa Velha Sports Club, Effiano Mendes and Ryan Fernandes, have formally lodged a complaint with the Inspector General of Societies and the Goa Football Association (GFA), alleging serious irregularities in the functioning of the Club's Managing Committee. The committee is currently headed by Welvin Menezes, former GFA Secretary and ex-CEO of Sporting Clube de Goa.
According to the complainants, since Menezes was elected unopposed as President in 2019, the Club has failed to present audited financial reports or accounts. No such reports have been submitted since 2020. This lack of financial transparency, coupled with alleged failures to conduct proper elections, prompted the members to seek intervention from the Societies Registration authorities.
“The present committee has not conducted elections and there is absolutely no transparency in the club’s functioning,” said one of the aggrieved members.
The complaint further claims that the Club's accounts have not been audited for the past five years—raising serious concerns about potential financial mismanagement and misuse of funds under the current leadership.
In response, the Goa Football Association has taken cognizance of the matter. The GFA has issued formal notices to the Managing Committee of Goa Velha SC, directing it to submit documents pertaining to the last conducted elections, minutes of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and audited financial statements. The Club has also been asked to provide a copy of its Constitution.
“So far, there has been no response from the Club,” confirmed GFA General Secretary Adlear D’Cruz. “We have sent multiple notices and reminders. If they continue to ignore the directives, the Executive Committee will consider further action. At first glance, the complaints appear to have some merit, and we are treating the issue seriously.”
The GFA has also asked the complainants to furnish a copy of the complaint submitted to the Inspector General of Societies, along with proof of submission, in order to attach it to an official Show Cause Notice to the Club.
“This is a serious matter that must be addressed appropriately. The Club should be given a fair opportunity to present its side, and the process will follow due course,” said a GFA Executive Committee member, requesting anonymity.
Founded in 1985, Goa Velha SC is one of Tiswadi’s most prominent football clubs, known for producing some of Goa’s top footballing talent. The Club has also hosted the prestigious London Trophy, once considered one of the state’s best inter-village tournaments.
Notable footballers nurtured by the club include Elvis Mendes, Richard Nunes, Jaime Camilo, Vishant Pednekar, Francis Rodrigues, Rajendra Naik, Miguel Miranda, and reputed coach Agnelo Fernandes.
Repeated attempts to contact Club President Welvin Menezes for comment were unsuccessful.
