Panaji: The state government has already cleared a grant of Rs 1 crore to
Churchill Brothers SC and made it clear that any assistance next season can be availed only if they continue to play in the I-League, India’s top tier competition.
The government’s scheme -- Financial Assistance to Football Clubs from Goa – is devised to help Goan clubs take on the might of others in competitions like the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL), recognised by the All India Football Federation. Churchill were the first to apply for the grant, and the government lost no time in clearing the first instalment.
“Each club is eligible for a maximum (grant) of Rs 3 crore. We’ve paid the first instalment to Churchill,” said V M
Prabhu Desai, director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (
DSYA).
The scheme provides Rs 3 crore per year, per club, to a maximum of three clubs.
“We want Goan clubs to regain lost glory. There was a time when Goa had as many as six clubs in the
National Football League and four clubs in the I-League. Now we have just one (club) and it’s important that we provide them with a really good incentive to compete at the highest level in club football (in India),” said the director.
Churchill were Goa’s only representative in the I-League this season but were relegated after losing their concluding league clash against champions
Minerva Punjab FC. Churchill will not be eligible for any financial assistance, if they play in the second division but will continue to get a financial boost from the state government if the
AIFF retains them in the I-League.
