The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) has informed all affiliated clubs, academies, players, referees, and football stakeholders under its jurisdiction about a recent resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The decision was taken during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting held on June 6, 2024, in Kolkata, where the federation expressed deep concern over the widespread organisation of unauthorised and unregistered football tournaments across the country. According to the AIFF, such events compromise the development, integrity, and safety of the Indian football ecosystem.
The AIFF has resolved that no player, coach, or referee registered with the federation will be permitted to take part in tournaments that are not authorised by the respective State Associations or their affiliated district or taluk units. Any violation of this directive will invite strict disciplinary action from the concerned State Association, based on complaints received from affiliated clubs, academies, or units.
Further, all State Associations and their district affiliates have been instructed to establish their own tournament registration policies. Any entity or private party planning to organise a football tournament must secure prior approval from the relevant district or state football body. Such tournaments must adhere to mandatory conditions, including participation only by registered clubs, players officially enrolled with those clubs, matches officiated solely by AIFF-licensed referees, and adequate safety measures for all involved.
In view of the above, the MDFA has called upon all football stakeholders within Mokokchung district to comply strictly with the AIFF directives and coordinate with the association before participating in or organising any football tournament.
“These steps are crucial to ensure the safety of our players, the credibility of our competitions, and the overall advancement of football in our district and beyond,” the MDFA said.