KDFA bars Kohima teams and players from participating in Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Trophy
The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) has announced its decision to continue non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles over an unresolved issue involving its president and the organisers of the Captain N. Kenguruse Memorial Trophy.
In a statement, KDFA expressed dismay that the matter, which dates back to the 8th edition of the tournament in 2024, remains unsettled. The association recalled that its president was verbally abused and called a “bastard” and other derogatory remarks by an officer of the 45 Assam Rifles, identified as Assistant Commandant NN Singh, after he inquired about the delayed disbursement of cash rewards to winning teams. The prize money had reportedly been withheld for over two weeks following the tournament.
“This unbecoming behaviour towards a renowned and respected football leader has caused immense shock, and the issue remains unresolved to this day,” the KDFA stated, reiterating that its non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles will continue “until such time the matter is resolved.”
Despite the ongoing dispute, KDFA pointed out that preparations for the 9th edition of the Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Championship have gone ahead without seeking due permission or acknowledgment from KDFA, the parent body responsible for football in the district.
KDFA said it has time and again “expressed challenges regarding unauthorised and unrecognised football tournaments being conducted within its jurisdiction.” Despite repeated notifications, KDFA said “some organisations continue to bypass the association’s authority mandated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), thereby undermining the structure and integrity of football governance in the state and districts respectively.”
Quoting AIFF directives from its Executive Committee meeting on June 6, 2024, KDFA reminded all stakeholders that “no AIFF-registered player, coach, or referee should participate in unauthorised tournaments that do not have due and expressed permission from the respective State Association and its affiliated district associations.”
“If any of the state, district, club, or academy should flag these issues to AIFF, and simultaneously to the state, then the State should take strong action against those players, coaches, or referees, found to be guilty as per the constitution and other bylaws of the respective State Association,” the AIFF had directed.
The KDFA maintained that if any organisation or private bodies intend to conduct tournaments in a respective district, it must seek due approval and comply with requirements, including participation only by registered clubs and players, officiation by licensed referees, and ensuring security for players and officials.
“In light of this directive and given the unresolved issue with the KDFA, coupled with the blatant bypassing of KDFA authority by the organisers of the upcoming 9th Edition of the Capt. N Kenguruse Memorial Championship, the KDFA hereby declares non-cooperation with this tournament in any shape or form,” the KDFA stated.
KDFA also announced that no teams from Kohima district and no registered players under its jurisdiction will be permitted to take part in the upcoming edition of the tournament. “If found otherwise, stern action shall be initiated,” the KDFA warned.
The KDFA has also urged the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) to demonstrate solidarity by “keeping the tournament in abeyance until the matter is duly resolved and the dignity of KDFA’s leadership restored.”
“Football must be built on respect, discipline, and recognition of due authority. Officials, players, referees, and leaders must be treated with dignity in order to safeguard the integrity of the game,” KDFA emphasised.
