In a bid to revitalize football in Goa, the State Football Association (GFA) has planned to introduce an international football tournament this year. GFA top brass is scheduled to attend a meeting with the state’s Chief Minister this week before finalizing the dates. 

Apart from the Goa Professional League, the state does not yet have any quality football competition. The competition might be staged from the end of this month to the first week of September. 

According to plans, the competition will consist of eight teams including the two foreign teams. GFA is trying to bring Australian Premier League team Perth Glory and another from Argentina. 

The other teams that might participate are Odhisha FC, Chennayin FC, FC Goa, Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers, and a team from the Goa Pro League (probably Club Salgaokar). The tournament will have group league matches and then a knock-out phase before the final. 

However, Churchill Brothers FC seems demanding more grants from the state government. The state government announced Rs 3 crore for the I-league playing club a couple of years ago and the Goan club has been receiving the amount. 

But Dempo SC, after qualifying for the elite I-league this season is also scheduled to receive the grant from the government. 

It is learned that the state government which has already reduced the amount for the sports in its current budget (Rs 50 crore) has planned to divide the Rs 3 crore and distribute to both Churchill Brothers and Dempo SC (Rs 1.5 crore each). 

Churchill Brothers, seemingly unhappy with the state government's plans raised their voice on social media, demanding the grant more. The club has given a hint through its message on social media that it might stop football activities next year if the government does not change its plans.

Churchill Alemao however when asked about the issue said, “Let us see what happens before the next football season comes. But the reality is that nowadays any club needs a formidable amount of money to build up a competitive football team." 

It is learned that the club has demanded Rs 8-10 crore grant for the team.