the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa Football Association has breathed a sigh of relief at the ouster of Praful Patel from presidentship of All India Football Federation, as Delhi High Court set aside the election, which was conducted back in December 2016.
According to the court ruling, Patel's third term is in complete violation of National Sports Code and as such, fresh election has been called for within five months. Former Chief Election Commissioner, SY Quraishi, meanwhile, has been made AIFF
administrator.
"Goa Football Association had opposed the procedure when the AIFF had called for elections last year. GFA had been then sidelined, but we went to Delhi High Court protesting the illegalities involved in the elections and violations of Sports Code. A stay was granted but vacated later on. Nevertheless, today we are vindicated as court has set aside Praful Patel's leadership, which was (since) an illegal federation," said GFA president Elvis Gomes at a hurriedly called for press conference on Tuesday.
"We hope that the fresh election will be legally held and Goa Football Association will get representation as Goa is a very important component of the entire football structure in the country," said Gomes, adding that they will apprise administrator Quraishi about GFA's problems since Goa was completely discriminated by the federation under Patel's reign.
Gomes also hinted that the anti-Goa outlook of Patel's current regime was responsible for there being no Goan player in the India U-17 squad. He, however, feels that the impending I-League 2017-18 will not be affected by the court ruling as the AIFF have paid employees in the form of secretary and the league CEO, who should keep the
show going.
AIFF to wait for detailed judgement before mulling action
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it will wait for the detailed judgement to decide its future course of action after its president Praful Patel's election last year was set aside by the Delhi High Court for not following the National Sports Code. "AIFF is not aware of the reasons of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court to pass this order. Once AIFF receives the copy of the Order from the Hon'ble High Court, AIFF will decide the course of action in accordance with the law," a statement from the AIFF said.
"AIFF is aware that earlier today the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi has pronounced its judgement in the matter which was earlier reserved on 12th May, 2017. AIFF understands that the Hon'ble court has to make certain corrections, after which the order would be made available to the parties. The Hon'ble High Court also directed to amend the AIFF Constitution to make it compliant with the National Sports Code," it added.
