PANAJI
The President of the Goa Football Association (GFA) Dr Caetano Fernandes has submitted a formal representation to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, requesting urgent reconsideration of the memorandum issued by the South Goa Collector banning activities such as Housie under the Public Gambling Act, 1976.
In the letter dated April 11, 2025, Dr Caetano highlighted the severe repercussions of the ban on village football clubs across Goa. For decades, traditional inter-village football tournaments ” especially during village feasts, zatras, and festivals ” have featured games of Housie, which serve not only as entertainment but also as a crucial source of revenue for clubs. These funds are used to support grassroots football development and sustain social initiatives undertaken by local clubs throughout the year.
With sponsorships and donations on the decline, the income from Housie plays a vital role in the survival of these registered clubs, many of which maintain audited accounts and comply with financial regulations. A sudden halt to such activities could spell the end for several clubs and have a detrimental impact on the future of football in Goa.
The Chief Minister has assured the GFA of his full support and has acknowledged the importance of preserving Goa’s rich footballing traditions.
To build consensus and further strengthen the appeal, the GFA will be holding a meeting with all affiliated clubs on Monday, April 14, 2025, to initiate a signature campaign. The signatures collected will be submitted to the South Goa Collector to highlight the collective voice of the Goan football community.
