13 Players and One Cop Face Disciplinary Action Following Integrity Investigation
Panjim, 29th September 2026: The Goa Football Association (GFA) has suspended 14 individuals, comprising 13 players and one former club official who is also a police constable, following an integrity investigation into allegations linked to match manipulation in Goa football competitions.
The action follows an inquiry conducted by GFA Integrity Officer Sandesh T. Chodankar after concerns were brought to the Association’s attention by Chapora Yuvak Sangh president Praveen Dabholkar. The investigation concluded that the individuals failed to report to the GFA that they had allegedly been approached by an unidentified person in connection with possible match manipulation activities.
The suspended individuals are:
Rohan Krishna Pednekar
Akash Amrut Kudnekar
Akash Sanadi
Bhaskar Jalmi
Krishnanath Shirodkar
Vinayak Rane
Chaitan Dabholkar
Sachidanand Satelkar
Aman Govekar
Minesh Kunkolkar
Satish Kankonkar
Mouzzan Shaikh
Suraj Hadkonkar
Ronaldo Oliveira
The suspensions will remain in force pending completion of disciplinary proceedings and any further investigation arising from the findings of the Integrity Officer.
GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes commended Chapora Yuvak Sangh president Praveen Dabholkar for bringing the matter before the Association despite the allegations involving members of his own team.
“GFA would like to appreciate and acknowledge Chapora Yuvak Sangh president Praveen Dabholkar for acting upon such malpractices and reporting the issue to GFA. Usually no one points out to their own team, but Praveen, when he learnt about the incident at his team, immediately reported to GFA,” said Fernandes.
Dr. Fernandes reiterated the Association’s commitment to protecting the integrity of football in the state.
“Match manipulations and match fixing are detrimental to football and such activities shouldn’t take place. We are trying to educate and conduct workshops to avoid such malpractices,” he added.
The Integrity Officer’s report has recommended immediate disciplinary action, including suspension and other sanctions as provided under the GFA Ethics Code 2021, subject to due process.
The report has also recommended that the GFA file a complaint with law enforcement authorities seeking a detailed investigation into the allegations and wider concerns relating to match manipulation in Goa football.
Among those suspended is former club official Mouzzan Shaikh, who is employed as a Police Constable with Goa Police. The Integrity Officer has further recommended that the matter be brought to the attention of the appropriate police authorities regarding his alleged role in the case.
In view of the seriousness of the findings, the GFA Executive Committee has also decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation, as recommended by the Integrity Officer.
The action comes nearly nine months after Praveen Dabholkar publicly raised concerns regarding suspected match manipulation involving members of his own team. Following the complaint, the GFA Integrity Department conducted an extensive inquiry, which culminated in the disciplinary measures announced today.
Dr. Fernandes noted that concerns relating to match integrity have surfaced in Goa football over the years but emphasised that the present administration is committed to taking firm action whenever credible evidence is brought before the Association.
Goa Football Association remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, credibility and fair play principles of football in Goa and will continue strengthening its integrity monitoring, education and reporting mechanisms across all competitions.
