FC Goa co-founders and co-owners Shrinivas V. Dempo and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar have decided to exit the FC Goa franchise with “deep distress”, according to a statement issued by the Indian Super League(ISL) football club here on Friday.
In their joint statement, Mr. Dempo and Mr. Salgaocar said that a sense of “deep distress” following the developments post the December 20 ISL-2 finals in Goa, have forced them to take the decision to quit FC Goa.
“These developments have caused deep distress to us, our families, the FC Goa team and Goans in general. We have received a copy of the statement of Elano Blumer of Chennaiyin FC conveying his regrets over his actions that occurred post-match on December 20. In the interest of our innumerable fans and the team, with great sadness we have taken the painful decision to exit from FC Goa,” the joint statement said.
“Our families have supported football for over five decades and it extended itself to our association in the ISL. We invested in ISL because of our passion and the love of the game. We wanted to place Goa as a key presence on the football map. We have created in FC Goa a team with the right spirit and culture and playing football in the highest traditions of the game. FC Goa is a brand that has united Goa,” the joint statement further said and thanked fans for their unconditional love and support to the team.
Both own about 30 per cent stake each in the FC Goa team. Mr. Salgaocar was involved in an angry browl with FC Chennaiyin captain and marquee player Brazilian midfielder Elano following the ISL final match in Goa last year, in which FC Goa lost 3-2.
While Elano was arrested by Goa police based on a complaint lodged by Mr. Salgaocar for assault and released subsequently, the team as well as the two owners were subsequently penalised by the ISL’s’s regulatory commission for the row.
The team was docked 15 points in Season 3, the co-owners were awareded suspension and also fined. The punishment is pending following an appeal by FC Goa before the ISL's Appeals Commission.
They have also thanked all FC Goa players , coach Zico and FC Goa staff and officials for their support, dedication, and commitment, extended a special thanks to co owners Virat Kohli and Venugopal Dhoot ,the Government of Goa and sponsors and vowed to continue their commitment to football in the future and offer fullest support in taking Indian football to greater heights.
Comments
SHARE