Without Housie income, many football clubs may shut down: Caitano

Panaji: The Goa Football Association (GFA) has asked chief minister Pramod Sawant to consider withdrawing a recent circular that cites growing concerns over unauthorised gambling operations, particularly Housie games, and similar activities conducted without proper licence.
Inter-village football tournaments, more popular in south Goa, Salcete specifically, survive on the generosity of politicians, well-wishers and the good old game of Housie. Several football clubs generate revenue with Housie or Tambola during half time of football matches. The income helps them field teams and focus on grassroots all through the year.
With the South Goa district magistrate seeking to intensify enforcement against Housie throughout the district, football clubs are under threat.
“We would humbly request you to kindly withdraw the memorandum as it would spell the death knell of our village clubs who are the lifeline of GFA. With reduced income there is a possibility of many of these clubs shutting down permanently or failing to participate in GFA tournaments which would be detrimental to the future of the state sport in Goa,” GFA president Caitano Fernandes wrote in a formal representation to chief minister Pramod Sawant.
The letter was personally submitted by Caitano to the chief minister on Friday.
The GFA president said the circular has come like a hammer blow to all its affiliated clubs who organise traditional football tournaments that have been prevalent for more than 70 years.
“These tournaments not only encourage local youth from the village to showcase their talent, but also was an event where the entire village, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, converged together to enjoy a game of football. This fostered communal harmony, and a close relationship was built between the villagers. These games were usually followed by a game of Tambola or Housie during the half time or at the end of the game, adding to the experience of the match.
“Revenue earned through this event is used to run social activities and footballing activities of the club throughout the year. Sponsorships and donations have been drying up over the years and revenue from Housie is one of the main incomes of these village clubs,” said Caitano, adding that clubs are liable to pay tax on income, wherever applicable, since the clubs are registered with the Registrar of Societies and audit their statement of accounts.
The GFA said Sawant has assured the association of his full support and has “acknowledged the importance of preserving Goa’s rich footballing traditions.”
Meanwhile, to build consensus and strengthen the appeal, the GFA will hold a meeting with all affiliated clubs on Monday to initiate a signature campaign.
“The signatures collected will be submitted to the South Goa collector to highlight the collective voice of the Goan football community,” said GFA. “We remain committed to safeguarding the interests of its member clubs and preserving the cultural and sporting fabric that defines village football in Goa.”