MARGAO
A day after he put in his papers as the president of Goa Football Association (GFA) in view of the High Court verdict, Churchill Alemao has said that football is in his blood and shall so remain until his last breath, having been at the helm of Goa’s presently only I-League club Churchill Brothers which is in existence for the past four decades with an excellent record.
Moreover, he said that FIFA, AFC, the whole country and several parts of the world know the contribution made by Churchill Alemao to Indian football. In a statement, Churchill said he has respected the High Court verdict and in view of the same had tendered his resignation as the GFA president.“I must mention that the new draft constitution of AIFF also adopts the National Sports Code Development of India, 2011 which categorically states that the age limit shall be 70 years. At the same time, the National Sports Code sets a term limit specifying that those in the Committee have to take a cooling break after a period of eight years, as one should not hold office consecutively for more than two terms or 8 years,” he said.
He added: “I recall what I have said at the last Annual General Body meeting (AGM) held on 31st July 2022 at the Casa do Povo Hall, Goa Velha. I had reiterated that I would abide by the decision of the High Court concerning the age-bar and that’s exactly what I have done today. I respect the verdict.”
Churchill placed on record the help and assistance that has been received, especially, acknowledging the special grant of Rs 50 lakhs provided to the GFA by the State government headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Besides, he said there are several other organisations like the AIFF, SAG, DSYA, clubs and officials, other government offices and several officials and individuals, match officials, sponsors, sub-committee members, executive committee members who supported him, well-wishers, office staff and others who lent their valuable support and extended cooperation of high order, saying he shall forever remain indebted to them.
