Controversy hits Santosh Trophy selection

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra state team for the Santosh Trophy was announced by the Western India Football Association (WIFA) on Wednesday amid cries of ‘foul play' by a bunch of players from Mumbai who feel they have been left out unfairly in a planned bid to accommodate players from other districts. The NP Pradeep-led team leaves for Uttar Pradesh on Friday and the upset lot believe that merit wasn't a criteria in selection.
"There were a lot of things that weren't right about this selection. Players from Mumbai weren't given enough chances and were often addressed separately when it came to pruning the probable's list. I was made to sit out most games and by the time I got a chance, the squad was already decided," said goalkeeper Lihaz Koya, who turns out for Customs and has represented Maharashtra once in the Santosh Trophy.
Among the other notable absentees were Reuben D'Souza and Francisco Dominic, who had performed well in the selection camp. But while picking a team is left to the discretion of the coach and selectors, what surprised the players was coach Faruk Ahmad's response when asked about their exclusion. "The coach said he wanted us, but selection wasn't in his hands since players from other districts had to be accommodated," said Koya.
A selector, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, he empathised with the boys who he felt were better than others in the team. Interestingly, the selector said the coach had a major say in the selection process. "There are players who should have been in the team, but have been axed instead. We weren't told about any quota system in as many words but it looks like the case," he said.
Reuben, who turns out for Western Railway, said their fight was more about supporting players from Mumbai than a personal agenda. "I have played the Santosh Trophy five times now so it really isn't about me. It's about something that is unjust and should change. Merit should be the sole criteria in choosing a team and not a quota system," he said.
Coach Ahmed admitted that a few talented boys from Mumbai had to be omitted, but that was only because Dodsal FC released three of their experienced players (NP Pradeep, Mohammed Rafi and Kali Alauddin) late. WIFA secretary Souter Vaz felt the selection process was devoid of any controversy. "The two coaches and four selectors took a joint decision and there is no question of selection on the basis of a quota system," he said.