I strongly disapprove with the harsh punishment imposed on FC Goa by ISL though FC Goa was wrong in boycotting the prize distribution ceremony. However, the quantum of punishment is too high which looks more like a revenge. As a president of GFA, soon after Goa’s annexation by Bharat, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro from Candolim mingled with the top brass of Indian Foot-ball administrators and observed how they are jealous of the high standard of soccer in a tiny Goa. To demolish this high standard they will play all the dirty games and this harsh punishment is one of the dirty games to prevent the growth of Goan soccer.
In 1982 Soccer World Cup in Spain, Kuwait refused to play further after England scored their disputed second goal. After about 10 minutes of discussion with the concerned authorities, Kuwait agreed to play again minus this goal. After the tournament, FIFA disciplinary committee punished Kuwait with only 10,000/- Dollars for refusing to play further after that second goal. In view of this, the 11 crores fine imposed on FC Goa is too high and ridiculous.
Secondly, it is wrong on the part of FC Goa management not to accept the defeat sportingly. If they cannot accept the defeat sportingly, they should not participate in the tournament. Today because of this wrong decision of FC Goa, the image of Goa is spoiled. Salgaocar and Dempo are the main responsible persons foe this disaster. They both must know that thru FC Goa they must create a good will for Goa and not an ill will. If they don’t have sporting spirit to accept the defeat sportingly then they must withdraw from FC Goa instead of disgracing the fair image of Goa.
Again in 1982 World Cup, Brazil had a superb squad which was dubbed as World Cup winner in advance only. This team comprised some of the football legends, namely Zico, Socrates, Eder, Zunior and Falcao. However, in the quarter finals stage itself, it suffered an unexpected defeat from Paulo Rossi’s Italy when Paulo Rossi scored a magnificent hat-trick against the mighty Brazil team of which type Brazil has never produced before. However, to the surprise of everyone all over the globe, after the final whistle the Brazilian squad walked out of the field calmly by making a Sign of the Cross thereby showing their true sporting spirit.
A.Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.