Zambian team to visit Goa

Panaji: The Zambian national team will be visiting Goa in November to play two friendly matches against

India XI and Goa XI on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Goa Football Association (GFA). Addressing a press conference, GFA President Shrinivas Dempo said that they already had talks with the officials of the Zambian team and things are at the final stage. "We also have plans to invite Benfica, a team from Portugal, but because of financial constraints things are on hold. If we get a sponsor who could look after their financial requirements then we could see them also come to Goa," said Dempo. The GFA executive committee, which met yesterday along with the four I-League clubs, have decided to organise their home I-League matches jointly with the I-League clubs. Professional clubs, which will ultimately need to have their own stadium and undertake marketing and even merchandising as per the AFC Club Licencing criteria, were told by AIFF that from this year onwards they would have to take the responsibility of organising the matches, which would include security, ticketing and all aspects of organisation. "An organising committee with representation and active participation of all stakeholders will be constituted," said Dempo, adding that the clubs will request the AIFF to increase the organising subsidy from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 and that any amount remaining from the subsidy, after taking care of the expenses will go to GFA. Dempo disclosed that the revenue distribution between clubs and GFA will be similar to last year, with 75 per cent to clubs and 25 per cent to GFA after deduction of expenses. Dempo also disclosed that each clubs of the I-League will be given 100 passes each and the fans of the two clubs playing will be asked to sit separately on two different stands like the one they have in the premier League. Dempo also informed that the GFA will write to AIFF, stating concerns that it is not possible to hold two I-League matches on the same day at the same venue. He also stated that he had taken up the matter regarding SAFF draw with AIFF`s general secretary and that the later had agreed to make the necessary changes. "It was decided that the Goan Clubs make a joint representation at the I-League Committee meeting to be held at Delhi on August 18 and that the number of matches to be played by footballers registered for the I-league clubs be increased to 45," Dempo said. GFA proposes to hold Mir Iqbal U-15 Trophy this year and the Federation Cup next year, informed Dempo. PTI