This is in reference to the selling of Shares of “FC GOA" by Salgaocar and Dempo to the Casino owner, Jaydev Mody. With this sale to a non-Goan stranger, the total ownership of FC Goa is now gone into the hands of unknown person who is become highest Stakeholder. I feel sad that the interest of Goa and Goans went into the hands of non-Goans who will never try to fly the flag of Goans high. I am sure Mody’s interest in the long run is not the promotion of Goan football and Goan footballers but only to gain goodwill of Goans thru which to promote his business interest with the help of Casinos which will promote nothing but sinful acts in Goa. Thru this FC Goa, Mody with the help of football crazy Goans will make the Goans to accept the sinful acts committed thru Casino business.
Till yesterday this business tycoon inspite of having millions was unknown in Goa but suddenly because FC Goa football, he became a celebrity in Goa. So much so, even by being the world celebrity, Zico was shadowed by him when he interacted with Zico and others including some footballers of FC Goa.
I fail to understand why Dempo and Salgaocar surrendered their rights and position in FC Goa to Mody. By taking this decision unilaterally, I think they both have betrayed Goa and Goans. Instead they should have found out if there was any single or group of Goans ready to purchase their Shares. As it is, Mickey Pacheco informed the Goa Legislature that he was ready to purchase 25% of these Shares. If the top management of ISL was against Salgaocar and Dempo of retaining these Shares that does not mean they cannot sell these Shares to other Goans. They should have explored ways and means as Goans to see for Goan buyers.
Secondly, if this matter was put in front of the global Goans to raise the required amount, I am sure these Goans would not shy away from shouldering their responsibility instead of selling these Shares to a non-Goan whose interest will never be Goan and Goan football.
It looks the real intention must be the money that fetched them by selling their Shares. After all they are good businessmen.
I am hurt that Goan football will turn into Casino football.
A.Veronica Fernandes.
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