Goalathon: It’s a local issue, says AIFF

As things stand at the moment, four Goa second division clubs — Curtorim Gymkhana, Sangolda Lightning, Wilred Leisure and Dona Paula — have been suspended for a year after they played out two ‘fixed’ matches, which together totalled 118 goals.

Gymkhana beat Lightning 61-1 and Leisure beat Dona Paula 55-1 in their second division inter-zonal playoff matches.

Apart from the one-year ban, the extraordinary general meeting conducted by the GFA Executive Committee last evening recommended that the managing committees, executive members, officials and players of all the four clubs be suspended for life. All the four clubs were also asked to cough up fines of Rs 5000 each.

Colaco was also present at the meeting and though he refused to comment on discussions therein, he did say, ‘‘The guilty will have to be identified and then punished appropriately.’’

A side story that evolves from the scandal involves Sangolda Lightning player Marcelino Dias. Dias is part of the Indian junior squad and the measures being adopted by the GFA might mean his career being curtailed.

On the topic, Colaco said, ‘‘We haven’t yet taken any individual cases into account. But if the GFA suspends him, under no circumstances will he be picked in any future teams that represent the country. As to whether or not he will be treated specially, it remains the prerogative of the GFA.’’

Dias was also shown a yellow card in the match for unsporting behaviour.

Incidentally, the Indian record for maximum goals scored under similar controversial circumstances is held by Kolkata clubs. Back in 1983, Victoria Sporting scored a 114-0 win over IBAC and International SC beat Jugashanti 81-1 in two second division matches played simultaneously.