FC Goa calls for govt support to reduce match costs

We have to pay for stadium rental charges, occupancy and floodlight usage charges. Beyond these, we also have to have to pay for police and arrange for private security, and many other operating costs that are required to ensure the match is conducted as per international standards.

We need to reduce match costs, primarily, first. The current football financial ecosystem is not robust enough to cover this up. However, a great amount of charges can be saved by getting support from the government and other stakeholders who we rely on to conduct the games. Once match costs are somewhat reduced, we can look at revenue, but we’re very mindful to ensure that it’s not done so at the cost of the match becoming inaccessible to the Goan audience.

We’ve not done a feasibility study of any alternative ground yet in terms of hosting Indian Super League games. Our hope remains that we continue to play at Fatorda but in far better financially viable conditions.

If we get support from the government and the local authorities, we’d definitely be able to make the game a lot more accessible to the public. If that does indeed happen, I’m sure we can find alternative ways to increase revenues through sponsorships and other means.

The current model is simply not sustainable in the long run. Professional clubs around the world have great support from local governments and sporting bodies, which allows them to reach some level of sustainability. Till a replication of that happens in India, running football clubs in India will not be viable.

There are a few costs over which the sports authorities and the government have a direct say. If they were to make a consideration there for the greater good of the game, we’re confident that it will make a significant difference.

I’m not sure if smaller venues will particularly benefit the fan experience. Opposition teams have found a packed Fatorda a daunting prospect, and we need that support on our side. I know first-hand how tough it is to play away in Kerala and Kolkata where the fan frenzy in the stadiums is high. Fans can always spur their teams into action and spark a turnaround.

Ticket pricing is the main aspect and the simplest way to increase revenues. But we’re not keen on doing that at the expense of the Goan audience. Football is a sport of the masses, and we don’t want our pricing to contradict that. Increasing revenue can happen indirectly by bringing in more partners to offset costs and expenses. However, that is only feasible when the partners see it as an attractive proposition to work with FC Goa.

We’ve already got some wonderful partners working with us who we’re very thankful for. However, any potential new sponsors always want to know how much footfall is received before investing in the team. That's the reason we must have Fatorda stadium at full capacity, given the sporting and economic perspectives.

We haven’t spoken to any fans yet regarding this. I maintain that moving away will be a last resort, and we remain hopeful that the football ecosystem backs the team and allows us to retain Fatorda, where there have been some incredible memories made over the years.