Former Salgaocar goalkeeper and Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado describes Rs 11 crore fine imposed on FC Goa as unprecedented, calls for revoking judgement on banning co-owners Dempo and Salgaocar
Charles D'Souza
MARGAO
Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado expressed shock and disbelief at the massive Rs 11 crore fine imposed on FC Goa and the subsequent bans imposed on co-owners Shrinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar.
The minister in his reaction to the unprecedented sanctions said: "The decision is incorrect and very harsh."
“Dempo is certainly the pillar of Goan football and also the co-owner of FC Goa. It's unimaginable that Goans will be deprived in such a manner.The ISL Regulatory Commission should immediately revoke the decision and give a fair judgment,” Furtado told The Goan Everyday, who himself was top goalkeeper having played for Salgaocar and MRF.
Former India midfielder and manager of East Bengal Alvito D'Cunha described the decision as harmful to the game. “The ISL winner gets 8 crores and for a punishment the commission fined FC Goa 11 crores, this is absolutely ridiclous. FC Goa has become a household name and the fans will be devastatd by this latest decision. The All India Football Federation must immediately step in to sought out the issue before it's too late,” stated D'Cunha.
Not only the coaches, players but even the bureaucrats were rattled by the ISL Regulatory Commission decision of levying a fine of Rs 11 crore on FC Goa. Member Secretary of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and football enthusiast Levinson J Martins claimed the three conditions imposed on FC Goa are not in the right direction for football in particular. "If there is provision then FC Goa should definitely go for appeal and be given justice,” said Martins.
Sammy Tavares, Deputy Suptd of Police, Quepem and former Cuncolim Union footballer termed the punishment meted out to FC Goa and the co-owners as "too harsh" and felt it will affect the game which has generated huge interest among the FC Goa fans. He hoped the ISL Commission will take a softer approach and cut the ban period if not overturn it on appeal, said the policeman.
Fr Antonio Jose da Costa, founder member of GFA and Principal of Mount Mary's High School, Chinchinim said this decision of the ISL had virtually murdered FC Goa. “Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinvas Dempo are the giants of Goan football. They have done a massive work for Goan football and the decision of banning this football stalwarts is laughable,” expressed Fr Costa without mincing any words.
New entrants of the I-League DSK Shivijans and former coach of Vasco Sports Club,Mahindra United, Pune FC and Salgaocar FC, Derrick Pereira described the decision like others as very harsh.
“Docking 15 points can be the end of ISL for FC Goa. The decision is not justifiable and I hope and pray the Regulatory Commission takes a lenient view and football becomes the winner once again,” commented Pereira on the contentious issue,adding that it will definitely affect Indian football development.
The administrator of NUSI Maritime Academy,Neeraj Aguair and president of AVC Cultrual Association and soccer enthusiast was dejected by the decision of ISL Regulatory Commission of imposing a hefty fine on FC Goa and banning of co-owners. “It is a pathetic judgment which will ruin Goan soccer. The FC Goa fans will be dejected as their favourite team would start at -15 points next season," stated Aguair.
Former FIFA assistant referee Franky Fernandes describe the ban and docking of 15 points as very harsh. “The ISL Regulatory Commission can review the hefty fine and ban of co-owners from ISL imposed on the club,” stated Fernandes.
Dixon Vaz, president of Goan Seamen Association of India was left speechless on the FC Goa case. “Goa and Kolkata are considered to be the giants of India football and without FC Goa team, the ISL will lose its charm and glitter. With this type of ruling the ISL Regulatory is digging their own grave. The decision must be revoked and there should be a fresh judgement,” Vaz explained at length.
