In a developing story, concerns are emerging within the Nagaland football community as unconfirmed reports circulate regarding the potential banning of 16 players by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for their failure to attend trials for the prestigious Santosh Trophy. While the NFA has issued showcase notices to these players, the veracity of the reports surrounding the ban remains uncertain.
The ripple effect of this decision by the NFA is poised to impact the upcoming District Football Association Trophies. While these developments overshadow the district events, questions have surfaced regarding the role of the NFA and its influence over Nagaland’s footballers.
Critics are beginning to question the NFA’s contributions to the development of young footballers in the state, apart from granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Some have raised concerns about whether the NFA possesses the authority to ban players for their absence at Santosh Trophy trials.
Former players have shared their insights into the matter, shedding light on why footballers in Nagaland might be hesitant to represent the state in Santosh Trophy competitions. One primary concern is the absence of monetary compensation for these players in contrast to other club tournaments where players receive payment.
The issuance of notices to players has also drawn attention to the limited recognition of state tournaments organized by the NFA. Reports suggest that only a few of these tournaments have received recognition from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This issue stems from the predominant prevalence of knockout-style tournaments over league formats in Nagaland.
Adding to the complexity, some players who received call notices for Santosh Trophy trials had previously obtained NOCs from the NFA and were engaged in other matches. This resulted in players opting to participate in club competitions rather than attend the trials.
Questions have also arisen concerning the scheduling of tournaments in the state, particularly during peak seasons when various events often overlap. Furthermore, some have questioned the inactivity of the Nagaland Premier League, despite previous commitments to its resumption as highlighted by the state’s chief minister in 2018.
Amidst these concerns, there is growing sentiment that the District Football Associations in Nagaland may need a stronger voice to advocate for players’ rights and address issues of discrepancies within the local football scene. As this situation unfolds, it underscores the need for clarity and transparency in the governance of football in the state.
Attempts to reach out to the ‘right authorities’ of the Nagaland Football Association to understand the issue more has been unsuccessful during the time of filing this report.