FC Goa Players and Staff Take Voluntary Pay Cuts to Support Club
FC Goa announced a significant development on Thursday. Their first team players and technical staff have voluntarily agreed to reduce their remuneration for this season. This decision comes as the club faces financial challenges in the Indian Super League.
Financial Pressures Force Difficult Conversations
The club had growing concerns about participating in this season's ISL. FC Goa maintained that the absence of central revenue share and lack of sponsorship meant they would face substantial losses. This situation forced the club to cut expenses and approach players about salary reductions.
"In a moment of real uncertainty for Indian football, our club had honest and difficult conversations about the challenges we are facing," FC Goa said in their official statement. "What followed was something that made us incredibly proud. Our first team players and technical staff stepped forward, stood together, and chose to support the club by agreeing to reduce their remuneration during this period."
A Selfless Gesture That United the Team
The club emphasized that this decision was not easy for anyone involved. They described it as a selfless act that demonstrates remarkable unity. "We are deeply humbled by this gesture and immensely grateful for the unity, character, and commitment shown by the group," the statement continued.
"These moments remind us that this club is more than results on the pitch. It is about people, belief, and standing together when it matters most," FC Goa added, highlighting the collective spirit behind this move.
Recent Challenges and Future Plans
Earlier this month, FC Goa had suspended all first team operations immediately due to prolonged uncertainty. The team is now expected to resume training from next week, marking a positive step forward after this challenging period.
FC Goa remained the only Indian side active from July to December last year. This extended activity resulted from their participation in the AFC Champions League Two. The team won their playoff match and advanced to the group stages of Asian football's second-tier club competition.
Under coach Manolo Marquez, the team delivered decent performances but ultimately finished at the bottom of their group. They lost all six games in the tournament. Despite this outcome, FC Goa will return to continental competition next season after winning the Super Cup.
Foreign Player Situation for ISL Campaign
FC Goa's upcoming ISL campaign faces another challenge. The team will likely play without most of their foreign players. While six foreigners were available for the AFC Champions League Two, four have already left the club.
Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera, David Timor, and Iker Guarrotxena have all departed. Serbian winger Dejan Drazic is currently considering his options. Spanish defender Pol Moreno might be the only foreign player to feature for FC Goa in the upcoming season.
This player exodus adds another layer to the club's current challenges. The voluntary salary cuts by remaining players and staff demonstrate their commitment to helping FC Goa navigate these difficult circumstances.
