The Goan Football Association (GFA), on Sunday, 1st October 2017, suspended three registered players for having partaken in an unregistered football tournament in the state. The tournament was had taken place in Chandor, Goa.
The offenders' list comprised of Joaquim Abranches and Nickson Castanha, who ply their trade for Dempo Sports Club and Goan Football Club’s Hayden Fernandes.
Issuing a stern statement without mincing his words, GFA General Secretary Welvin Menezes elucidated, “Joaquim Abranches has repeated the offence and hence might face a year-long ban while Nickson Castanha and Hayden Fernandes will get a minimum one month ban with a fine."
With regards to the exact manner in which the players were found out, he further added, "The GFA has evidence in the form of photographs and videos, and issued show-cause notices to the erring players."
Previously, a further 46 players had been formally warned on such offences by the state association and let off with a nominal fine.