PANAJI
The excitement surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) seems to be fading in Goa, especially evident in the low attendance at FC Goa's home matches.
Recently, when FC Goa faced Jamshedpur FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, only 7,240 fans showed up, a stark contrast to the stadium’s capacity of over 19,000. The empty stands painted a disappointing picture for a State historically passionate about football.
In previous seasons, the turnout for FC Goa matches was much higher, often reaching 10,000 to 15,000 fans. However, recent matches have seen a significant drop in attendance. Fans and football lovers in Goa are curious about the reasons behind this decline.
Mario Furtado, a long-time football enthusiast from South Goa, shared his thoughts: “I’ve been following Indian football for 20 to 30 years. In the past, ISL matches attracted huge crowds compared to normal Goa Pro League matches. Today, the trust in the team’s ability to win is questionable. Although FC Goa is one of the best teams in the ISL, they often struggle during crucial matches like semifinals and finals, which affects fan support.”
Another FC Goa fan, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted lack of connection between the team and its supporters. He mentioned, “Some players connect well with the fans, but overall, there’s a disconnect. There used to be a full stadium, but now we barely reach four digits in attendance. Additionally, ticket prices in Goa are higher compared to other States where they can be as low as Rs 50 to Rs 200. A big win could change everything.”
Football is a cherished sport in Goa, loved by both men and women. Abigail Fernandes, a college student and FC Goa supporter, explained her perspective: “I used to go with my family, but now I mainly go with friends. There are still many fans, but yes, the numbers are declining. Factors include match results, ticket prices, travel distance, and the timing of matches. Last season, many matches were held on weekdays, which affected attendance.”
Arjun Naik from Pernem echoed these sentiments, stating, “The decline has been noticeable over the past three seasons. Most matches are on weekdays, making it hard for people to attend, especially when it coincides with festivals like Chaturthi. It’s not that fans have lost interest; we still love FC Goa. We want the team to win and bring home a trophy.”
Roger Pinto from Panaji added more reasons for the dwindling crowd: “The playing style and match results are one factor. Ticket prices and frequent changes in the team also play a role. Many fans become attached to certain players, but when they leave, it affects attendance. I still go to every match, but many fans miss their favorite players, which influences their decision to attend.”
Despite the challenges, there remains a strong hope among fans for a turnaround. Many believe that if FC Goa can improve its performance and reconnect with the community, attendance will rise again.
