MARGAO
The Goa football fraternity has reacted to the suspension of All India Football Federation (AIFF) by the apex football body All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday with immediate effect due to ‘undue influence from third parties’, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes. The development has also jeopardised the country’s bid to host the 2022 edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which was scheduled to be held from October 11-30.
The Goan spoke to some prominent coaches, administrators and former international players.
Armando Colaco, head coach of Sporting Clube de Goa said, “It’s very sad that we have come to this stage because of selfishness of some individuals who were running AIFF without any sense of responsibility. This is what you get in return when you hang in the chair for so long when you don’t have any vision or road map. Politics is for politicians and sport is for sportsmen.”
“I hope and pray that things come to normal again and state football associations wake up with a proper sense of responsibility. AIFF must be totally revamped,” he said.
Former president of Goa Football Association Elvis Gomes voicing his concerns said, “Cleansing of AIFF was also overdue like FIFA itself had gone through in the recent past. While the law of the land is supreme, proper diplomacy could have averted FIFA ban. The same FIFA that had no qualms in allowing 1 nation 2 leagues through 3rd party interference is now citing 3rd party interference while suspending AIFF. That doesn’t mean everything is right in Indian football.”
Derrick Pereira, Technical Director of FC Goa labelled FIFA’s decision to suspend the AIFF as harsh but said that it is a great opportunity for the country to get things in order. “It is important that all the stakeholders come together and get the system right for the betterment of Indian football,” he added.
Former India Captain Bruno Coutinho termed it as a sad day in Indian football. “It will have a devastating effect on football activities. India cannot participate in international football. Now, there is uncertainty of hosting the U-17 Women’s World Cup in October.”
“It’s high time, the mess is cleaned up inside AIFF, we need football visionaries like Shivanand Salgaocar to be inducted at the top; Goan legend Savio Medeira who’s doing a good job since last many years should also be given a lead role,” said Gasper Crasto, former Salgaocar FC footballers.
“It’s very unfortunate that FIFA has suspended Indian football and at the same time, I feel it’s a very harsh decision of FIFA to ban Indian football. But at the same time, I feel it’s a great opportunity for us to get our system right. It’s very important that all the stakeholders -- the federation, the state associations, come together and get the system right and everybody work for the betterment of Indian football,” said Alvito D’Cunha, former India midfielder.
Former International Mahesh Gawli said, “It’s very sad news, first time in the history of Indian football. “We need to stop corruption happening. People need to work with the right intention, passion. No one is thinking of developing football in the country. Everyone is only thinking of their fame and name. Hope we all learn this lesson.”
