Football clubs seek conditional relief from blanket ban on housie in S Goa

Delegation submits memorandum to Collector, says housie held to sustain village tournaments; GFA chief says several tournaments under threat due to lack of funds

THE GOAN NETWORK | APRIL 18, 2025, 12:51 AM IST

Football clubs seek conditional relief from blanket ban on housie in S Goa

Goa Football Association President Caitano Fernandes along with representatives of football clubs handing over memorandum to South district Collector Egna Cleetus to reconsider the ban on housie at football tournaments.

Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO
The Goa Football Association has made a fervent plea to the South Goa district Collector to exempt housie games conducted by football clubs during tournaments from the ambit of the ban on housie in the district.

A delegation led by GFA President Caitano Fernandes and representative of registered football clubs called on the district Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS and handed over a memorandum to reconsider the blanket ban on housie with a view to allow an exemption for games organised by registered football clubs with the Goa Football Association during tournaments.

In this respect, the delegation drew attention of the district Collector about the unanimous decision taken by the GFA registered football clubs to restrict the housie prize amount up to Rs 1 lakh.

If necessary, the delegation requested the Collector to come out with a set of guidelines or such other conditions under which such events can be conducted transparently and responsibly.

Saying the proceeds of the housie game are purely utilised for the purpose of football game as specified herein, the delegation stated they are open for any set of permissions to be obtained before conducting the housie games.

“We firmly believe that with appropriate safeguards, housie can continue to be a harmless community activity that supports the promotion of football and social harmony. We are committed to adhering to any regulations set forth and are willing to engage in dialogue to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. We remain hopeful for your understanding and a favourable response,” the memorandum submitted by the GFA president stated.

While saying that the GFA understands and appreciates the intent of the directive to regulate gambling activities in the district, the delegation highlighted that the housie games conducted by the registered clubs are community-based fundraising activities held during inter-village football tournaments. “These events have, for decades, played a pivotal role in supporting the grassroots development of football in Goa. Kindly note, that the GFA is a society duly registered under the Societies Act. It comprises more than 180 clubs. The Association and its clubs comply with statutory requirements and files its audited financial statements within the prescribed timelines,” the memorandum added.

The GFA president later told the media that the delegation has pointed out to the Collector that the proceeds generated through housie are not for personal or commercial gain, but are reinvested in the sport and play a major role nurturing young talent. “It is mostly utilised for maintaining and upgrading facilities, supporting youth development programmes and covering operational expenses in many cases, this is the only source of annual funding for small village clubs that do not receive regular sponsorships or government grants. These events are conducted transparently, without profit motives, and primarily serve community and sporting interests,” he said.

Caitano said the sudden enforcement of the ban, without a viable alternative or exemption for community sporting bodies, has left many clubs in a state of crisis. Several ongoing and upcoming village tournaments are now under threat due to lack of funds, he added.

Collector reaffirms crackdown on housie, no exemption for football clubs yet

MARGAO: There’s not going to be any change in the official stand on the ban on housie at football tournaments in South Goa district at least for the moment.

This became clear after a delegation led by Goa Football Association President Caetano Fernandes called on the district Collector with a plea to permit housie at village soccer tournaments.

After giving the delegation a patient hearing, South Goa district Collector Egna Cleetus is believed to have maintained that the administration is focussing on stopping housie games scheduled in the district, from April 20, adding that there will be no change in the official stand vis-à-vis housie organised at soccer tournaments at least for the time being.

GFA President Caetano told the media after the meeting that the district Collector had sought cooperation from the GFA as well as the football clubs till a system is put in place where housie can return to the football tournaments in the future. “The Collector has listened to us and asked us to cooperate. We have been told to hold on for some time since they are working on a system,” he said.

He added: “The Collector told us that the administration is gearing up to launch a major crack down on housie, offering money prizes. She has told us that the administration will stop all housie starting from April 20. The Collector has also sought the support of the clubs to stop the illegal housie games.”

The GFA president said the delegation explained to the Collector that the housie organised at the football tournaments is altogether different aimed to mobilising resources for the success of the tournaments. “There is an attempt made to misguide the officials on the housie. We are clear that housie at tournaments is being organised under the banner of the registered clubs and not by individuals,” he added.