Mokokchung District Football Association issues directive on unauthorised tournaments

MOKOKCHUNG — The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) has issued a directive to all affiliated clubs, academies, players, referees, and stakeholders regarding the recent decision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to curb unauthorised and unregistered football tournaments across India.

The announcement was made on Sunday by AIFF following an executive committee’s resolutions passed during its June 6 meeting in Kolkata, which aimed at safeguarding the integrity and development of Indian football.

The AIFF have expressed serious concerns over unauthorised tournaments, which undermine the sport’s ecosystem and pose risks to players, clubs, and referees, MDFA stated.

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To address this, the AIFF has adopted stringent resolutions: as per the resolution, no AIFF-registered player, coach, or referee may participate in tournaments not authorised by their respective state association or its affiliated district/unit.

Violators will face strict disciplinary action from state associations under their constitutions and by-laws, triggered by complaints from clubs, academies, or affiliated units.

Additionally, the AIFF has mandated that state associations and their district affiliates, such as MDFA, develop and enforce tournament registration policies with conditions.

Any organisers, including private entities intending to organise a tournament, must obtain prior permission from the relevant district or state football association.

The conditions are: tournaments must involve only registered clubs or academies, with players officially registered with these clubs; matches officiated by AIFF-licensed referees; and full security ensured for all players and officials.

MDFA president N Akok Longkumer and Joint Secretary and Coordinator for media and publicity Imnawapang have urged all stakeholders within Mokokchung district to comply strictly with AIFF’s directives and coordinate with the association before participating in or organising any football tournament to foster a structured and safe football environment in Mokokchung.

“These steps are crucial to ensure the safety of our players, the credibility of our competitions, and the overall advancement of football in our district and beyond,” stated MDFA while calling on its affiliates to adhere strictly to these guidelines to promote disciplined and professional football under the AIFF’s framework.