MARGAO
The Goa Football Association (GFA) has come under fire for its financial management and administrative practices following allegations by Aleixo Francis da Costa, President of Rosman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club.
Da Costa criticised the GFA for failing to renew its registration under the Societies Act, which he claimed lapsed on June 11, 2025. He also noted discrepancies in the association's financial records, pointing out that while a surplus budget was presented last year, the income and expenditure statement reflected a deficit. Additionally, Da Costa accused the GFA of presenting an audit report in violation of ICAI and CBDT guidelines.
A significant point of contention was the GFA’s use of a Rs 2 crore government grant for the Bandodkar Trophy tournament. Da Costa alleged that Rs 1.67 crore of the grant was spent on travel and accommodation for foreign teams, while no funds were allocated to local clubs. He also criticised GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes for blaming the government for the inclusion of foreign teams in the tournament.
“The administration in GFA is so pathetic that they have not renewed their registration under the Societies Act, which lapsed on 11/6/2025,” said Da Costa. “Though a surplus budget was presented last year, the income and expenditure statement presented shows a deficit.”
In response, Dr Fernandes defended the GFA’s actions. He clarified that the GFA’s registration had been renewed and would be issued this week. He also explained that the budget was an indicative figure and pointed out that the GFA had paid over Rs 50 lakh in outstanding bills from the Churchill Alemao tenure.
“There was no provision to pay subsidies to local teams for the Bandodkar Trophy. The government gave us a grant, and we have organised the tournament in the best possible manner,” Fernandes said.
