Panaji: The Goa Football Association (GFA) has said suggestions that it should provide a dedicated ambulance with advanced life support at every match ignore the practical realities of organising football on such a scale.Questions about player safety has been raised after Dailon Carvalho of United Club Ambaulim died on the field of play during an inter-village match at Dando ground, Benaulim, on Tuesday. According to those present, the player collapsed on the field and was declared brought dead at the district hospital.The ambulance, sources said, took almost 40 minutes before it could reach the ground.“The unfortunate truth is that even the immediate presence of an ambulance does not, by itself, guarantee a favourable outcome in every medical emergency,” the GFA, governing body for the sport in Goa, said in a statement on Wednesday. “In cases of sudden cardiac arrest or collapse, the most critical factor is the quality and speed of the first few minutes of response. Immediate CPR, prompt use of an AED where indicated, and trained first responders often determine the chances of survival before advanced medical care arrives.”GFA said the conversation must move beyond assigning blame and instead focus on creating sustainable solutions that genuinely improve player safety.“We have already initiated work on developing a comprehensive emergency response framework for grassroots football in Goa. This framework will focus on training club officials, tournament organisers, volunteers and match personnel in emergency medical response, CPR and AED usage, while progressively strengthening medical preparedness at football venues in collaboration with govt agencies, medical professionals and other stakeholders.”Next month, GFA, through its medical committee, will conduct first aid and CPR courses for club officials and organisers. Pre competition medical tests for all players are already in place since last two years.“The GFA remains committed to reviewing existing regulations, learning from this tragedy and implementing practical measures that can be effectively adopted across all levels of football in Goa,” said the governing bodyLast season, 64 inter-village tournaments comprising 981 matches were organised. GFA organises 1,354 official matches across 15 different competitions during the season. On many days, 15 to 16 matches are played simultaneously at venues spread across the state.A private ambulance equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a trained paramedic typically costs between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 per match.“Inter-village football is a community-based competition that has been the lifeblood of Goan football for decades. These tournaments are organised by independent village clubs and organising committees, with GFA providing regulatory oversight, fixtures, referees and disciplinary governance in accordance with its statutes. GFA does not organise, manage or control the day-to-day operational arrangements of every inter-village tournament.“GFA expresses its profound grief and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of Dailon Carvalho. While GFA understands the emotions surrounding this unfortunate incident, it is deeply concerned by attempts to attribute responsibility to GFA without a proper understanding of how grassroots football is organised in Goa,” said GFA.
