GFA knock on Figo, Eusebio's doors Portuguese Greats Invited For Anniversary Bash
Marcus Mergulhao I TNN Panaji: In footballing terms, Goa could well sample original port in a toast at the state's football association's golden jubilee anniversary celebration next month. Three Portuguese football greats are more than keen to visit Goa for the Goa Football Association's (GFA) gala and they include superstar Luis Figo, currently with Italian Serie A leaders Inter Milan, legendary striker Eusebio - who has been to Goa in the past - and Portugal chief coach Carlos Queiroz have responded positively to invitations from the GFA who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. "We have managed to have a word with Figo, Eusebio and Queiroz, all of whom are interesting in making the trip to Goa. But, we need some solid backing," GFA secretary Savio Messias told TOI on Sunday. The GFA is understood to have used their contacts with the Portuguese Olympic Committee, the University of Porto and Mariano Barreto - a top coach in Portugal with roots in Goa - to convince the Portuguese greats. Messias, however, felt they need to back their initial contacts with a concrete proposal and some solid finances. For the moment, no sponsor has come forward to ease the GFA of the financial burden and a suggestion to divert Rs 30 lakh from a three-year league sponsorship proposal - estimated at Rs 1.10cr - was summarily rejected by most executive committee members. The GFA secretary did not say it in as many words, but it is obvious that internal wrangling within the association has all but brought the grand anniversary plans to a standstill. It is no secret that GFA president Joaquim Alemao and the secretary cannot see eye-toeye after their infamous fallout over the sole nomination for elections to the All India Football Federation executive committee. The GFA executive committee has met twice - once, intriguingly, in the secretary's absence - to exclusively discuss the anniversary celebrations. However, when the executive committee first met at a starred hotel in the city several members stayed away, and at the next meeting nominations for the AIFF polls took precedence over anniversary plans. "I don't have a clue how we will carry this forward. I did not attend the specially convened anniversary meeting either," Messias said, tongue firmly in his cheek. The GFA were originally slated to have the anniversary bash on December 22 but then hurriedly settled for January 20 as the new date. The bash will be held either at a starred hotel in the city or at the Bandodkar stadium in Campal. http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOIGO/2008/12/29&PageLabel=15&EntityId=Ar01501&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T