After decades of contributing to Indian football, Churchil Brothers Football Club The Red Machines has announced its disbandment due to financial challenges. However, escalating debts and the inability to secure sustainable funding have forced the club’s management to make the difficult decision to dissolve.
The official announcement came on Saturday, August 3rd, from the club’s patron Churchill Alemao. The Press conference was held in his Varca office, and there he said “From the end of the I League next season, we will not take part in any competitive football”.
Churchill Alemao added ” We requires 12 to 14 crores annually to run the club effectively. CM Dr. Pramod Sawant has promised an additional 5 crores, I will be forced to withdraw from the I League if this financial support is not materialized”.
Churchill Brothers was founded by Churchill’ family, in 1988 in Goa, Madgaon as Varca club, after one season they renamed as Churchill Brothers FC. Despite its disbandment, Churchill Brothers FC’s legacy will endure, remembered for its remarkable achievements. The club carried Goa’s rich football history. Churchill Brothers has won the I League titles twice, three Durand Cups, and also has won eight Goa Champions League Cups and, one federation Cup.
Churchill Alemao also shared, he has to sell his ancestral property, for investing to the club and, it has not only helped the club but also benefited numerous families whose children have played for the club.
In the 1997–98 Asian Club Championship, Churchill Brothers went on to represent India. They also participated in the AFC cup, and finished runners-up in their group. After having a glorious journey, they left a remark to the Indian Football and, remains a respected and influential club in the country’s football landscape.
