Almost a month after the much-publicized conclusion of the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL), participating football clubs are still waiting for the prize money they were promised. The delay has triggered unease among club officials, raising questions about the league’s financial management and its much-touted vision of transforming football in Nagaland.
Barak FC had defeated Longterok FC 3–1 at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on April 1 to emerge as champions of the first-ever NSL season. A week later, on April 8, an opulent NSL Awards Night was held at the RCEMPA Hall in Jotsoma, where dignitaries, players, and organisers gathered to celebrate the league’s success. Awards were handed out, photos were published, and the night ended with high praise for Nagaland’s football future.
Yet, beneath the carefully staged optics, financial obligations remain unmet. MT has learned that as of late April, prize money—announced with much fanfare during the season—remains unpaid to the clubs and individual award winners.
“We are unable to clear some of the pending salaries of players due to financial constraints,” said a representative from one of the participating clubs, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We hoped the award money would help us meet our obligations. So far, nothing has been released to us. We don’t know if other teams have received theirs.”
The NSL had publicized a prize structure totaling over Rs 1 crore: Rs 20 lakh for the champions (Barak FC), Rs 16 lakh for the runner-up (Longterok FC), and Rs 4–12 lakh for the remaining teams. Individual awards such as the Golden Ball (Rs 3 lakh), Golden Boot (Rs 1 lakh), and Best Goal (Rs 50,000) were also announced.
However, multiple sources confirmed that even these individual cash prizes have not been paid. “We went expecting to receive our dues during the Awards Night, but returned empty-handed,” said an official from a club whose player won one of the top awards.
Adding to the frustration is the growing perception of a lack of transparency from the NSL management. “We entered the league with passion and the desire to promote football, not for profit. But we deserve clarity and timely support,” said another club official. Many clubs have refrained from speaking out publicly, fearing possible repercussions or exclusion from future seasons.
NSL Chairman responds
Responding to the concerns, NSL Chairman and MLA Benei Lamthiu told MT that the delays were due to procedural issues rather than unwillingness to pay. “This is not a district level league but a professional league, and there are proper guidelines which the franchises have to follow,” Lamthiu said.
According to him, the franchises are required to submit player salary statements and other paperwork as stipulated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) guidelines. “The franchises are yet to submit paperwork on some awards their players won. We have informed them to submit their player’s salary statement but some haven’t till now,” he said.
Lamthiu emphasized that the prize money will be released once all required documents are submitted. “It’s not like we are not willing to give the prize money. We are willing to give. It’s just that the franchises have yet to submit their player’s salary statement.”
When asked whether any clubs had completed the required formalities and received their dues, Lamthiu said, “We are planning to do [the disbursal] in bulk… all seven franchises together.”
The MLA expressed hope that the paperwork and documentation would be completed soon, allowing the NSL to clear the prize money payments.
As the wait continues, questions remain over whether the inaugural season’s promising start will be enough to sustain the credibility of the Nagaland Super League in the years ahead.
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