Panaji Sep 29 (IANS) The Goa Football Association should not have boycotted the FIFA U-17 World Cup because ego tussles cannot be bigger than a grand global event Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Friday.
"The (Goa) football association has officially boycotted the World Cup. I basically think it is personal ego. I don t think the association should boycott the World Cup. Even though they may find some issues not very comfortable to them the event is beyond their egos. They should have participated " Parrikar said on Friday while speaking at the Dilip Sardessai Sports Excellence awards ceremony in the state capital.
Parrikar also noted that not a single football player from Goa a state known for its football frenzy was a part of the Indian team participating in the under-17 Fifa World Cup blaming bickering between sports association members.
"The U-17 Indian team does not have a Goan player. That is not because we are not talented that is because our associations are better than us politicians in fighting among themselves " Parrikar said.
The global tournament featuring teams from 24 countries which will being hosted by several Indian states including Goa kicks off on October 6.
--IANS
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