Kohima District Football Association continues non-cooperation with Assam Rifles

Bars Kohima teams, players from Capt. N Kenguruse Memorial Trophy

DIMAPUR — The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) has expressed concern over the unresolved issue between its president and the convenor of the organising committee of the 8th Captain N. Kenguruse Memorial Trophy 2024, and has decided to continue its non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles until the matter is resolved.

In a press statement, the KDFA said that in 2024, when the KDFA president enquired about the delayed disbursement of cash rewards to the winning teams—which was delayed for over two weeks after the completion of the 8th edition—he was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and disrespect by one Assam Rifles (AR) officer named N N Singh, assistant commandant, 45 Assam Rifles.

“This unbecoming behaviour towards a renowned and respected football leader has caused immense shock, and the issue remains unresolved to this day,” it read.

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The KDFA noted that amidst this unresolved issue, the Assam Rifles has gone ahead with preparations for the 9th edition of the championship without seeking due permission or acknowledgement from the KDFA, the parent body responsible for football in the district.

“KDFA has time and again expressed challenges regarding unauthorised and unrecognised football tournaments being conducted within its jurisdiction. Despite repeated notifications, some organisations continue to bypass the association’s authority mandated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), thereby undermining the structure and integrity of football governance in the state and districts, respectively," it said.

It was reminded that as per the AIFF executive committee meeting on June 6, 2024, in Kolkata, the AIFF has mandated that no AIFF-registered player, coach, or referee should participate in unauthorised tournaments that do not have due and expressed permission from the respective State Association and its affiliated district associations.

“If any of the state, district, club, or academy should flag these issues to AIFF, and simultaneously to the state, then the state should take strong action against those players, coaches, or referees found to be guilty as per the constitution and other bylaws of the respective state association,” the AIFF had directed.

If any organisation or private body intends to conduct tournaments in a respective district, it must seek due approval and comply with requirements, including participation only by registered clubs and players, officiation by licensed referees, and ensuring security for players and officials.

In light of this directive and given the unresolved issue with the KDFA, coupled with the bypassing of KDFA authority by the organisers of the upcoming edition of the Capt. N Kenguruse Memorial Championship, the KDFA declared non-cooperation with this tournament in any shape or form.

“No teams from Kohima district will take part, nor will any KDFA-registered players be permitted to participate in the tournament. If found otherwise, stern action shall be initiated,” it said. The KDFA also urged the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) to demonstrate solidarity by keeping the tournament in abeyance until the matter is duly resolved and the dignity of KDFA’s leadership restored.