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Panaji: The Goa Football Association’s executive committee has decided to declare Sporting Clube de Goa and Churchill Brothers FC as joint winners of the Goa Professional League 2019-20.
The league came to an abrupt end in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sporting were leading the standings and had 44 points with only two games left to be played. Dempo SC were second with 41 points, but only had a game in hand and no chance of overtaking their Panaji rivals due to an inferior head-to-head record.
I-League side Churchill (37 points) were also in contention as they had five games in hand. The GFA could not conduct the remaining 13 games after directives from the government.
Sporting had earlier written to the GFA and provided examples of leagues in Europe where sporting merit and points per game were used to decide champions.
“The committee has taken the decision. Churchill Brothers had games in hand and we could have got to the top spot. But in the end, I want what is best for football. We have also finalised Accord as our main sponsor for next seasons Pro League which could be held in December,” GFA and Churchill Brothers FC president Churchill Alemao told TOI.
The executive committee last met on January 20 and after much delays assembled at the artificial turf at Duler Stadium in Mapusa with social distancing norms being followed due to Covid-19.
“It was a consensus decision as only two teams could win the title. It would be unfair otherwise for other teams as well,” said GFA vice-president (North) Lavinio Rebello.
The GFA has also decided not to relegate any team from the top tier which will be a relief for Corps of Signals and bottom-placed Velsao Sports and Cultural Club.
GFA could not commence the First Division League while the eight teams from the Second Division League have been promoted. The association will be charging clubs their share of the Centralised Registration System (CRS). The annual general body meeting which usually is held in July is tentatively scheduled for December.
“The First Division league will be stronger and teams could be divided in zones,” said Lavinio.
Anthony Barbosa was nominated to the executive committee from Salcete zone in place of Jose Santarita Coelho, who passed away early this month.
The league came to an abrupt end in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sporting were leading the standings and had 44 points with only two games left to be played. Dempo SC were second with 41 points, but only had a game in hand and no chance of overtaking their Panaji rivals due to an inferior head-to-head record.
I-League side Churchill (37 points) were also in contention as they had five games in hand. The GFA could not conduct the remaining 13 games after directives from the government.
Sporting had earlier written to the GFA and provided examples of leagues in Europe where sporting merit and points per game were used to decide champions.
“The committee has taken the decision. Churchill Brothers had games in hand and we could have got to the top spot. But in the end, I want what is best for football. We have also finalised Accord as our main sponsor for next seasons Pro League which could be held in December,” GFA and Churchill Brothers FC president Churchill Alemao told TOI.
The executive committee last met on January 20 and after much delays assembled at the artificial turf at Duler Stadium in Mapusa with social distancing norms being followed due to Covid-19.
“It was a consensus decision as only two teams could win the title. It would be unfair otherwise for other teams as well,” said GFA vice-president (North) Lavinio Rebello.
The GFA has also decided not to relegate any team from the top tier which will be a relief for Corps of Signals and bottom-placed Velsao Sports and Cultural Club.
GFA could not commence the First Division League while the eight teams from the Second Division League have been promoted. The association will be charging clubs their share of the Centralised Registration System (CRS). The annual general body meeting which usually is held in July is tentatively scheduled for December.
“The First Division league will be stronger and teams could be divided in zones,” said Lavinio.
Anthony Barbosa was nominated to the executive committee from Salcete zone in place of Jose Santarita Coelho, who passed away early this month.
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