Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is close to acquiring the Indian Football League (IFL) licence of former I-League champions Aizawl FC, in a move that could bring an IFL team to Nagaland, according to reports by Sportstar and KhelNow. The proposed transfer remains subject to approval from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Sportstar reported that the ownership change would pertain only to Aizawl FC’s IFL rights, with the Mizoram-based club expected to continue competing in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL). It also reported that the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) has communicated the proposed change to the AIFF.
KhelNow reported that Nagaland United has reached an agreement with Aizawl FC’s owners to acquire the IFL licence. If approved by the AIFF, Nagaland United are likely to play their home matches at the 5,000-capacity Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Aizawl FC to retain MPL presence
Founded in 1984, Aizawl FC is one of the prominent clubs in Indian football and won the I-League in 2016 under current India head coach Khalid Jamil, after winning the I-League 2 title in 2015. Nicknamed “The People’s Club”, Aizawl have also won the MPL five times.
The reported transfer follows financial difficulties that have made it difficult for the club to sustain its IFL operations. Aizawl FC is expected to continue in the MPL while focusing on youth development through a residential football academy.
The future of the IFL licence for the 2026-27 season remains subject to the AIFF’s decision, with the league scheduled to begin on October 16.
No official confirmation yet
Neither Aizawl FC nor Nagaland United SC has officially announced the reported agreement. Their respective social media accounts had not carried any announcement regarding the development as of the time of filing this report.
Mokokchung Times could not contact representatives of either club for confirmation.
Nagaland United, based in Chümoukedima, was established in 2024 and competes in the Nagaland Super League. The club finished third in the inaugural 2025 season and later won the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.
The Indian Football League (IFL), formerly known as the I-League, is India’s second-tier professional men’s football division below the Indian Super League (ISL). Administered by the AIFF, it currently features 10 clubs and operates under a promotion-and-relegation system with the ISL and I-League 2.
