South Goa football clubs join hands to oppose Housie ban

Panaji: The meeting convened by the Goa Football Association (GFA) with all South Goa clubs saw over 40 clubs signing a memorandum over the recent housie ban.
The memorandum will be submitted to the South Goa collector on Thursday.
Inter-village football tournaments, more popular in south Goa, survive on the generosity of politicians, well-wishers and Housie. Several football clubs generate revenue with Housie during half time of football matches.
That source of income is under threat with the South Goa district magistrate issuing a directive to all deputy collectors and sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling activities throughout the district. In a memorandum issued last week, district magistrate Egna Cleetus cited growing concerns over unauthorised gambling operations, particularly Housie games and similar activities conducted without proper licences.
“We will submit a memorandum to the government on Thursday,” said GFA president Caitano Fernandes, who has already met chief minister Pramod Sawant. “Inter village clubs offer a maximum of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh as prize money and ought to be allowed to continue. However, the sudden spurt in huge prize money in non-footballing events is what is affecting the whole system. Housie was a game of enjoyment and fun during a football match, but these big agencies that have come outside of football is causing harm to our traditional housie."
The GFA president also clarified his statements regarding housie and condemned the twisting of facts by his detractors.
Seeking to clarify his statement, Caitano said the association stands by the clubs and will pursue all avenues with the government to protect the interest of the village clubs.
"I have clearly stated that I am against banning of housie during inter village tournaments. People are being misguided. If I am against the clubs and housie, why would I be at the forefront and arrange a meeting with the collector?
“People still can't digest the fact that since I took over as president, football has improved by leaps and bounds. The football clubs have shown their trust in me, and I will not let them down. Those twisting my statements and creating confusion in the minds of the people have vested interest," said the GFA president.
A game played with 15 numbers on each coupon ranging from 01 to 90, Housie or Tambola is a popular, fun, social game played during parties, events and festivals. Over the past few months, though, the game has moved in a new direction, with prizes ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 18 lakh on offer for the winners at specially-organised musical shows.