In a thought-provoking perspective, Raithu Newmai, President of the Peren District Football Association, has raised crucial questions about the financial dynamics of local football and how fans can contribute to the sustainability of their favorite clubs and players.
The grand finale of the 23rd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2023 witnessed a remarkable turnout on 14 October 2023, with an unofficial estimate of nearly 10,000 enthusiastic spectators filling the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Each fan eagerly purchased an entry ticket for Rs 100, potentially generating significant revenue of Rs 10 lakh.
However, a pertinent question arises: “Who benefits from this substantial ticket sales revenue?” Newmai asks.
Newmai emphasized, “In professional league and tournament matches, the proceeds from ticket sales are typically shared among the participating teams, the home team, and the event organizers. This means that fans are not merely passive spectators but active supporters who indirectly contribute to the financial sustainability of their favorite clubs and players.”
He further observed how managing a football team and participating in tournaments in Nagaland entail considerable costs.
“Team owners and management often find themselves tirelessly seeking sponsors and appealing for donations to keep the dream alive. The reliance on politicians, officers, contractors, and well-wishers to fund football clubs and teams can only be a temporary solution,” he observed.
This highlights the crucial importance of football clubs and teams generating revenue through ticket sales for their matches. By doing so, Newmai believes that they can better manage their financial obligations, even with average revenue of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per match.
“In the case of events like yesterday’s thrilling final match, where ticket sales are shared equally among the organizers and the two competing teams, a single team could potentially earn 2 to 3 lakh,” he added.
Newmai’s perspective encourages the local football community to consider the adoption of a ticket system in football tournaments. This innovative approach could offer a sustainable solution, reducing the clubs’ dependence on donations from politicians, officers, contractors, and well-wishers.
