Goa Pro League 2021/22 season to start from 2nd October

The prestigious Goa Police Cup will be the curtain-raiser for the season.

The Goa Football Association has decided to start the Goa Pro League from 2nd October 2021. The decision was taken in the Executive Committee meeting held on 12th August 2021. However, the longest played domestic league of the country will be held in its old version. After completion of the first phase, where all 12 teams will play each other, it will be divided into two groups.

The top six teams will play in the Super League, while the bottom six teams will be part of the relegation league. However, phase one points will be considered in both the groups while deciding on a champion and relegation.

Click here for Goa Pro League 2021-22: Fixtures, results, standings & more

Vaccination Certificate mandatory for participation

As a safety measure, it was also decided in the meeting that a Vaccination Certificate will be mandatory for all players. “We all know the current situation, but we cannot keep the football away as many players rely on it. So, we have decided to start the football season in the state from mid-September. But, Vaccination Certificate will be compulsory for a player playing in the league,” a committee member told Khel Now.

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Despite failing to pay the dues in the first season, Selvel will continue as the title sponsor. “As per our president, he had another sponsor this season, who were ready to pay 80% in advance. But, Selvel promised to pay the outstanding dues as well as for this season,” said the member.

Goa football season to begin with charity match

The Goan football season will start with the charity match between champions Sporting Clube de Goa and runners-up Dempo Sports Club. The match will be played on September 19. The state association have also given a window to organize the Goa Police Cup from 20th September. “The Goa Police Cup will be held this season, as GFA has given us a slot to organize this tournament. It is a pride of Goa Police to organize such a prestigious tournament,” Goa Dy. SP Sports, Anthony Monserrate informed Khel Now.

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The GFA First Division League was not held last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the state. But, this season the State Association has also decided to organize the GFA First Division League. It has a tentative start date of January 1, 2022. Meanwhile, TACA Goa U-20 League, which was not held in the last three seasons, is going to make a comeback this season. It is likely to start from 1st November 2021 with the GPL clubs.

GFA to start Futsal League

During the meeting, a question was raised by few members about relegation from last season’s GPL. But, it was decided to waive relegation for Sesa Football Academy, who stood last with just five points, as there will be no team to promote from the lower league. However, the committee confirmed relegation for this season, as there will be First Division League held in the later part of the campaign.              

The state association has also decided to have their first futsal league. It was supposed to be held last season, but wasn't due to the second wave of COVID-19 in the state. This season it will be played with 16 teams in South Goa and August 18 is the last day to enter.

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