GFA launch Selvel Goa Professional League to promote football in state

GFA Vice Presidents, Executive members and Pro League club officials, Parallel thinkers official Partha Acharya and others were present for the function.

The much-awaited Goa Professional League 2020-21 season was officially launched at Duler Stadium in Goa on Monday. The state's top tier league was launched with a title sponsor after a gap of seven years and this year it will be called Selvel Goa Professional League.

Executive Committee member Jonathan De Souza welcomed all the guests present at the launch event, which was attended by Rajiv Ghosh, CEO, Selvel Advertising Pvt. Ltd, Partha Acharya, Parallel Thinkers, Goa Football Association President, Churchill Alemao, Churchill Brothers' CEO Adv. Valanka Alemao, GFA Vice-Presidents Lavinio Rebello and Anthony Pango, along with GFA Competition Chairman Adv. Dominic Pereira.

The event started with a welcome speech from De Souza, while the Red Machines’ CEO addressed the event saying, "GFA Goa Pro League did not have a sponsor for long and it was possible due to efforts of Deepa Dasmunsi, wife of former AIFF President Late. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi. She has been a guiding force and helped me throughout this journey."

"We just did not want a sponsor, but someone who understands football, loves football and continues support for football. So, we have Selvel Group, who we trust and have faith in," she stated.

Selvel Advertising Pvt Ltd will be the title sponsor of Goa Professional League 2020-21 season. The Kolkata-based media firm has signed a five-year deal with the state association for the sponsorship.

This season, the GPL will be played with 12 teams in a single leg, which will have 66 matches and all of them will be broadcast on an OTT app. Director of Parallel Thinkers, Partha Acharya, who will be producing the broadcast of the league matches said, "We have produced Qualifying Round of I-League and now we are planning to produce Goa Professional League matches. We will love to do it. As a reporter, I have been travelling in Goa on many occasions and I have seen the enthusiasm of Goan fans. The rights are with the Selvel Group and if they permit us, Parallel Thinkers will be delighted to broadcast the GPL on our new channel."

Selvel Goa Professional League which will commence from 15th January will also have Square Circle as digital partners, consultants and strategic advisors. With this partnership, the GPL will surely add a lot of value and restore it's lost glitter. All the matches of the league will be played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, through to the end of April 2021.

ALSO READ: Igor Angulo: We’ve proved that we can win every game in this league

Ghosh who was representing the title sponsors was happy after signing a deal with the GFA and said "I can assure you that this journey which has started today will unfold into many dreams being made true. Sports have been our cornerstone. The chairman of the company has been evidence of sports for himself. He is currently with BCCI. He has handled posts in rugby and football association. So, Selvel and sports go hand-in-hand together."

"Finally, I can only thank the opportunity that has been given to us. I definitely will leave no stone unturned and also try to make this association a great success," The Selvel Group CEO concluded.

GFA President Alemao thanked all the sponsors and partners for collaborating with the association and said, "If we give them a good service then they will help us in long-term and not just for five years. Our family has given everything to football and I will continue to do it. Goa has created great talents in the past, which have made the headlines and I can assure you that if you continue supporting us, you will see more great talents in the coming years."

"I also request all the executive committee members to stay united and work towards the betterment of football," patron of Churchill Brothers announced at the launch event.

He also requested the sponsors and partners to support the association in organizing the lower leagues saying, "This year we are not organizing any lower league due to COVID-19 situation, but next season we will be doing it and we will love to have all of you on board, supporting us from the grassroots. I also request them to telecast the league matches, which will give a chance to parents of the players to watch their kids playing from home."