Sports

GFA Cracks Down on Match-Fixing: 14 Players Charged in Goa Pro League Probe


Goa Football Association has taken a decisive step in addressing alleged match-fixing in the Goa Professional League 2025-26 season by issuing a detailed 288-page chargesheet to 14 players, most of whom are former members of Chapora Yuvak Sangh. The move marks a significant development in one of the most serious integrity-related investigations in Goan football in recent years.

The probe was initiated after Chapora Yuvak Sangh sacked nine players in October 2025 and subsequently filed a formal complaint along with an FIR at Mapusa Police Station. In response, the Goa Football Association appointed retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh T. Chodankar as the Investigating Officer to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.

Following months of investigation, the Ethics Committee compiled an extensive chargesheet outlining the findings and evidence against the players involved. The accused players have now been given a period of 10 days to submit their responses, after which the committee is expected to deliberate and announce its decision in early March. Potential sanctions could have significant implications for the players’ careers and the broader football ecosystem in the state.

Speaking on the development, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes reiterated his commitment to cleaning up the sport in Goa. He stated that upon taking office in 2022, he had assured clubs of firm action against unethical practices and emphasised that the association is moving steadily towards fulfilling that promise. He further added that the Executive Committee will take the strongest possible action against those found guilty.

The case has drawn widespread attention within the football community, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining integrity in competitive sport. As the process moves forward, the outcome is expected to set a strong precedent for governance and accountability in Goan football, reinforcing the importance of fair play and transparency in the game.

Sports

Ngulgoulal Singsit’s Strike Seals 1-0 Win for Vasco SC Over Chapora YS in GPL Thriller


Vasco Sports Club secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chapora Yuvak Sangh in an exciting Goa Professional League fixture at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday. The decisive moment came in the 50th minute, courtesy of a well-finished strike from Ngulgoulal Singsit.

Both teams entered the match on the back of wins in their previous outings. Chapora YS coach Levino Pereira made three changes to his lineup, while Vasco SC’s Bisheshwor Lairenjam opted for just one change. The early moments of the game saw Vasco nearly go ahead, but Chapora’s U-21 midfielder Brandon Pereira made a crucial clearance to deny Singsit a tap-in.

Chapora pressed forward with attacking intent, repeatedly breaching the flanks, but were denied by a resilient Vasco defense and the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Roni Das. Defenders Hijam Singh and Thokchom Singh also made key interventions to preserve the clean sheet.

The breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Vasco substitute Vellington Almeida found Ngulgoulal Singsit unmarked in the box. Singsit showed composure and skill, controlling the ball before rifling home a left-footed shot past the Chapora custodian to give Vasco the lead.

In the final stages of the game, Chapora YS mounted a strong challenge to find the equalizer. Akash Sanadi’s teasing free-kick created a great opportunity, but Rio Fernandes was just late to connect. In added time, Cyprian Rodrigues delivered a perfect cross, but Vinayak Rane’s header narrowly missed the target, sailing over the crossbar.

Despite Chapora’s late flurry of chances, Vasco SC managed to hold on to their slender lead, taking home all three points in what was a tightly contested clash. The result solidifies Vasco’s position in the standings while leaving Chapora to rue their missed chances.