MARGAO
After 67 years of existence, Salgaocar FC will shut the shop of its senior team in the Goa Professional League.
The closure of Salgaocar FC’s senior squad has devastated fans of Goan and Indian football. The historic club, known for its significant achievements, holds a special place in the hearts of its followers. Their groundbreaking victories, like winning the Federation Cup in 1988 and the Durand Cup in 1999, brought immense pride to Goan football.
"While I am disheartened and sad to hear the news, I respect the decision from the club. It must be for sure a strategic and well-informed decision. The club's legacy will live on in the hearts of the players, staff, and fans. The moments of triumph, the camaraderie, and the shared joy will forever be cherished. My sincere thanks to Mr Shivanand and the family for the opportunity and platform provided to us players to shine and achieve so much. Proud to be part of this prestigious club for most time of my football career," said former Salgaocar FC defender Gasper Crasto.
“Although devastating news for Goan football, the closure of the club was imminent ever since its withdrawal from the I-League in 2016. The effects of this shutdown may force other clubs to look into the scheme – no club can run on losses for the name alone – that will include FC Goa.”
"This move will cost Goan lads their future in football. Salgaocar were leaders in promoting football; many players had jobs, many players became good coaches and many won state and country honours at the highest level. The owners of Salgaocar were directly involved in promoting football," said Walter Edward Pereira, honorary secretary general of Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu Football Association.
"This has been a very difficult decision and sad. Salgaocar has got a legion of fans all over the country and our Goan derby was always watched by thousands of fans. Now, the All India Football Federation must step in and come out with a solution," said Samir Naik, head coach of Dempo SC.
"It's a black day in the history of Goan football. Such an iconic club shutting shop; the club which gave us so many international footballers and both the Arjuna awardees. It has to do with something of our football administration; a very sad day indeed." said Alfredo Fernandes, former State and Churchill Brothers Sports Club coach.
"It’s heartbreaking. We have been big-time fans of the Goan club as young players. Always felt proud and lucky to have been able to watch such a great Goan football club. It’s not that their juniors are not doing well. But there is a different level of enthusiasm in watching the seniors play," said Girijadevi Dessai, Churchill Brothers woman's coach.
"It is very very sad news. The federation has not been able to set up a proper structure in place. Everything till today is in doubt. If one day with all investment and grassroots, a club like Salgocar can play in the highest league," said Bhaichung Bhutia, former India captain.
"It's very sad to see that the club has had to shut down. I am sure the owners must be having their reasons, even though it’s a big loss to Goan and Indian football. It was my childhood dream to play for Salgaocar, one that I could never fulfil as one thing or the other came in between," said Clifford Miranda, coach of Odisha FC.
"It's a sad thing. But how long can clubs or companies continue as loss-making entities? The perfect business model should be in place. Everybody should be happy. For that, the All India Football Federation should work with all the stakeholders," said Armstrong Vaz, a Qatar-based Goan sports journalist. "Remember Dempo, Salgaocar, Sporting withdrew from the I-League citing that AIFF has no roadmap. Churchill Bros joined again is another matter. The new committee is doing something to turn around, but you need passionate people in the administration and people with innovative ideas to wake up the sleeping giant and to come up with a business model which gives sufficient returns and football clubs are not just charity but financially rewarding," Vaz added.
"Definitely, it has come as a shock to me. Salgaocar has been one of the most renowned and prestigious clubs in India and to hang it up has been shocking to us all. I have been part of the Salgaocar family for more than 20 years and it feels like a part of me has shut down. I'm lucky to have played as well as coached this club. Whatever I am today is because of this club and for this, I will forever be grateful," said Norberto Gonsalves, former Salgaocar FC and State coach.
