PANAJI
The Goa Football Association (GFA) convened its Annual General Body meeting in Patto, Panaji on Sunday, marking a successful year of football and the second such gathering under Dr Caitano Fernandes' tenure as the GFA president.
Club representatives expressed satisfaction with the proceedings and commended Dr Fernandes and the Executive Committee for securing the best Member Association award at the recent AIFF award ceremony, as well as for their contributions to another successful season.
A significant decision was made to grant permanent member status to seven provisional clubs that had completed their five-year terms and fulfilled all GFA obligations. These clubs include Bidesh XI Sports Club Assonora, Compassion Football Club, Futebol Club YFA, Laxmi Prasad Sports Club, Patrong Sports Club, United Boys of Ambaulim, and Verem United Sports & Cultural Club.
The association amended rules regarding player eligibility for inter-village tournaments. Players registered in the Indian Super League or I-League will no longer be permitted to hold inter-village player licences or participate in inter-village tournaments during the same season. Similarly, Goa Professional League players will be ineligible for inter-village tournaments from the league's commencement until the conclusion of final-round matches.
Discussions also focused on revising inter-village tournament rules, particularly regarding match timing and duration. It was proposed that matches should consist of two 35-minute halves, commencing at 4.30 pm with a 30-minute grace period until 5 pm. Teams failing to report within the allotted time would face fines, with their opponents receiving a walkover to the next round.
The meeting addressed the organisation of clusters, with the Bardez cluster remaining unchanged. However, the Salcete cluster will be reevaluated in an upcoming exclusive meeting with clubs from that region in the coming weeks.
