NFA bans 14 players for 5 months; Nagaland football community in disarray

Penalties Announced by NFA
The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) has recently made headlines with its decision to penalize 14 players. This action follows an extensive investigation by its Disciplinary Action Committee.

According to an official NFA notification released on October 31, these 14 players have been handed a five-month ban, effectively prohibiting them from participating in any NFA-affiliated or registered tournaments and leagues. The suspension is set to be enforced from November 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024.

The players facing these penalties are Merensang, Nyithong Magh, Kekhrie Tsira, Sinlo Kent, Hekato, Hoatinmang Thomsong (Victor), James Kithan, Temjen Longkumer, Kevisalie Sechu, Petevizo Kezie-o, Rhitso Mero, Laloureiyang Pamei (Aloumai), Awang Renta, and Benrithung.

The Origin of the Issue
The NFA’s decision is a result of the show cause notice issued on October 4 to 16 players who were reported to have failed to attend the Santosh Trophy selection trial camp “without prior intimation or obtaining proper permission.” These players were given seven days to either appear in person or provide a written explanation for their absence. Moreover, they were expected to provide valid reasons justifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.

Out of the 16 players who received these notices, two players of the INF Bn (Territorial Army) (H&H) Naga, Jakhama were exempted.

Impact on ongoing tournaments
Despite the ban, seven of the 14 players banned by the NFA are currently participating in the ongoing MDFA (Mokokchung District Football Association) trophy in Mokokchung. These players include Merensang, Kevisalie, Petevizo, Rhitso Mero, Temjen Longkumer from KSR, and Awang Renta and Nyithong Magh from Telongjem FC. Sources at MDFA have reported that the NFA has informed them that the suspension will not affect the progress of the ongoing MDFA Tournament, which has only two matches left to be played- a semifinal and the final.

Exclusion from Lt. Capt. N Kenguruse Trophy
However, it has been learned that the suspended players will not be allowed to participate in the 7th edition of the Lt. Capt. N Kenguruse MVC Memorial Football Tournament 2023, scheduled to commence on November 1 in Kohima.

Public response and player reactions
The football community in Nagaland has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the NFA’s decision, with some fans even characterizing it as a “total breakdown of football in the state of Nagaland.”

Among the players who received show cause notices, New Market FC players made their response to the showcase notice public. They had offered apologies to the Association and explained that they missed the trials due to the late announcement of the shortlisted players for the Santosh Trophy trials. This announcement coincided with their preparations for the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy (NSF-MMT), 2023. As the defending champions, they were keen to deliver their best performance at the NSF-MMT, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the state.

The club expressed that selecting nine players out of their 18-member squad created a challenging situation. They emphasized that either losing some players would weaken their squad entirely, or if all nine players were selected, they would have to forfeit their match at the NSF-MMT since only ten players would be left to participate in the tournament.

Additionally, Sinlo Kent explained that he was unable to attend the camp at the last moment due to his uncle’s health condition. His uncle was hospitalized for cancer treatment at Eden Hospital and Faith Hospital, Dimapur, and he served as one of his primary caregivers. Furthermore, Kent had made prior commitments with Red Scars FC for the NSF Martyrs’ Trophy 2023, and playing those matches during the scheduled dates was his primary source of income.

Backlash against NFA
The football community in Nagaland has not held back its opinions, with fans expressing concerns that “banning players and the absence of top players will only downgrade the tournament.”

One fan urged the NFA to address errors in their scheduling, particularly when hosting tournaments under their registration. They questioned why players for a tournament like the Santosh Trophy weren’t selected months in advance for practice.

“It’s a situation where players have had to leave their existing teams, which they were already participating in,” the fan added and emphasized that the NFA should also consider how the management team plans to replace those players who left for the Santosh Trophy, and they praised the dedication of the banned players who clearly love the game.

Another fan pointed out that for most senior players, football is their primary source of income. They hoped that the NFA had taken this into consideration as the banned players now face severe financial difficulties. The sentiment expressed was one of deep disappointment with the NFA’s actions.

Unavailability of NFA officials for comment
At the time of filing this report, efforts to reach NFA officials for comment were unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered regarding this contentious situation in Nagaland’s football community.

Mokokchung Times