PANAJI
The Goa Football Association (GFA), through its Secretary Adlear D’Cruz, has strongly rebutted the recent allegations made by Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club. GFA's response addressed claims made in a letter from the club dated August 3, which raised concerns about the association's finances, constitution, and audit reports.
D’Cruz emphasized that the issues raised by Aleixo Costa, President of Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club, were already discussed and clarified at the GFA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). He pointed out that Costa was present at the meeting where the GFA’s audited financial statements were approved by the General Body. The AGM also saw clubs moving congratulatory motions for the committee’s efforts over the past two years.
“We are surprised by the contents of your letter,” D’Cruz said. He suggested that Costa’s grievances stem from his removal from the AIFF Grassroots Committee, a move reportedly initiated by the current GFA committee. D’Cruz praised the GFA President for contributing approximately Rs. 80.5 lakhs of his personal funds to help address the association’s financial issues, arguing that if funds were being misappropriated, such a personal financial contribution would not have been necessary. He also noted that the current GFA committee has not liquidated any fixed deposits, unlike the previous committee led by Churchill Alemao.
Addressing concerns about the AGM’s validity and the GFA's constitution, D’Cruz referred to a High Court order from the Salcete FC vs. Churchill Alemao case, which confirmed the legitimacy of the 2018 constitution. He accused Costa of contempt of court for not recognizing the constitution’s validity, and he emphasized that the GFA’s registration with the Registrar of Societies is valid until June 2025.
Regarding allegations about the audit reports and financial practices, D’Cruz defended the GFA’s accounting methods. He stated that the association’s auditor, Naik Gaunekar, has been auditing the GFA’s accounts since 1977 without any issues raised by previous office bearers. D’Cruz criticised Costa for questioning the GFA’s accounting practices, given that he is unqualified in financial matters.
The GFA’s letter detailed various financial transactions to address specific concerns
1. Payments: Rs 25,000 each was paid to Kalidas Dessai, Ritina Pereira, and Joe Colaco for charity match beneficiaries. Rs 1,00,000 was reimbursed to Selwyn Miranda for medical expenses incurred during the Santosh Trophy. Rs 17,740 was paid to Avinash Naik for referee payments, which remains unsettled. Rs 44,150 is pending from Lawrence Gomes for the Federation Cup and was resolved to be written off during the AGM.
2. Grants and Expenditures: Rs 14,06,912 received from the Sports Authority of Goa is properly reflected in the GFA’s accounts, with further participation grants pending adjustment. Organizing grants for the Santosh Trophy Nationals amounted to Rs 41,48,240, with Rs 30,79,294 spent, leaving a balance of Rs 10,68,946. Rs 13,22,879 was spent on Goa Team Expenses for the Santosh Trophy, recorded separately for transparency. Senior Women’s Nationals had a grant of Rs 14,26,275 with Rs 10,90,397 spent, leaving a balance of Rs 3,35,878.
3. Sponsorships: Rs 34,04,557 and Rs 11,73,512 were received from Reliance Foundation for Youth and Development Leagues, with respective expenditures of Rs 12,25,400 and Rs 5,97,978, leaving a balance of Rs 25,29,703.
4. Expenditure Increases: Increased expenditure is attributed to previous years' outstanding prize money, rising referee fees, and a greater number of matches. Rs 30 lakhs were paid to cover outstanding prize money from Alemao’s tenure.
D’Cruz also addressed concerns about payments to Executive Committee members, asserting that these were reimbursements for expenses incurred during national events and GFA leagues. He provided a detailed list of reimbursements, including: Rs 2,60,400 to Cosme Oliveira; Rs 78,100 to Anthony Pango; Rs 1,58,450 to Laxman Hadfadkar; Rs 3,25,000 to Digvijay Velingkar and Rs 30,000 to Royala Fernandes
He clarified that no honorariums or remunerations were taken by the current Executive Committee, unlike the previous tenure. D’Cruz also responded to queries about travel agency payments, asserting that these were related to past committee bills and not linked to current members.
The GFA’s letter concluded by refuting claims of corruption and mismanagement made by Costa. D’Cruz accused Costa of having a questionable history in government departments and of being involved in previous financial controversies at the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC). The letter suggested that Costa’s criticisms are unfounded and motivated by personal grievances.
Goa Football Association has defended its financial practices and administrative decisions, challenging the allegations made by Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club and emphasizing its commitment to transparency and proper governance.
