Ground reality strikes WIFA

MUMBAI, JULY 12: The lack of grounds with the Western India Football Association to conduct their league in first, second and third divis...

MUMBAI, JULY 12: The lack of grounds with the Western India Football Association to conduct their league in first, second and third division came for critisism from the chairmen of those divisions.

The chairmen of senior division, Faiyaz Khan, first division U Bannerjee and second and third divisions, Arshad Ansari criticised the WIFA for not starting their matches in time. Said Arshad Ansari: “The first, second and third division matches usually start by mid June. Last year also it started on June 10. This year, the WIFA is intent on killing football at the lower division level.”

They also claimed that the leagues for the lower divisions could have been held at Goan Sports Association ground but the WIFA was unwilling to pay Rs 25,000 that is outstanding as dues to the ground management.

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“Teams like Bank of Baroda and Dena Bank have players on stipend. There are no matches. These Banks are paying money to the players to do nothing,” Ansari claimed on behalf of the lower division chairmen.

“TheWIFA is reluctant to give our body — Mumbai City and Suburban District Football Association — affiliation. If they are ready to do that, then we will take the responsibility of holding the league,” they claimed.

WIFA president Wali Mohammad expressed his inability to conduct the leagues during the months of July, August and September. “Their league is held in November. I have more than 120 teams participating in all the five divisions. I just cannot hold matches for them during these months at Cooperage. The Goan Sports Association is charging Rs 650 for each match which is too high and not affordable to the WIFA,” said Mohammed.

Regarding the affiliation issue, Mohammed said: “They should request MDFA president, Kehar Singh to withdraw the 28 cases he has filed against the WIFA. Then I will give them affiliation,” said Mohammed.