MARGAO
Churchill Alemao tendered his resignation as the president of Goa Football Association (GFA) in view of the High Court Order on Thursday.Alemao ceased to be the president with immediate effect as he attained the age of 70 on May 16, 2019.
Football administrators, GFA executive members, ex-international players and the football fraternity welcomed the decision and called it wonderful news.
"I welcome the decision of the High Court. I would like to thank the petitioners Salcete FC for fighting to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the Association, our lawyers Jayant Mulgaokar and Rupa Banaulikar and our Executive Committee members. It is a landmark judgement as Churchill Alemao was clinging to his chair illegally. The GFA has gone 40 years backwards in his 4-year tenure. There are rampant match-fixing allegations plaguing the Professional League, the financial position of the GFA is in the doldrums with debts of 33 lakhs, the prize money of the last 4 years hasn't been paid and the competitions are mismanaged," said Jonathan D'Souza, fire brand GFA Executive member of Ilhas Zone.
"We hope that this landmark decision ushers in a new era of good governance and all realise that the GFA constitution cannot be tempered to suit individuals," said Alberto Colaco, founder member of Salcete Football Club, and former Secretary of AIFF and vice president SAFF.
"Shame and disgrace in Goan football as High Court held GFA President Churchill Alemao's occupation of the chair since May 2019 as illegal," said Elvis Gomes, former GFA president.
"It's a win for Goan football, so many years of politicians holding the reins and now the time has come that sportsperson should occupy the top seat. I feel Goan football can reach new heights if we have the right system, right personnel in the administration," said Alvito D Cunha, former India midfielder.
Antonio Pango, vice president GFA hailed the high court verdict. "It's also the time to learn lessons and bring in changes and reforms in the Goan football administration. We need changes in the system," he said.
"We endorse the verdict of the High Court, who has upheld the Statutes laid down in the GFA constitution," said Royla Fernandes, Vice President Cana Benaulim Sporting Association.
