Ahead of the 9th edition of the Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament this year, the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) has expressed deep concern over an unresolved issue involving the president of KDFA and the convenor of the organising committee of the 8th edition of the championship in 2024.
In this regard, the KDFA has on Thursday announced its non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles until the matter is resolved.
In a statement issued on August 28, the KDFA alleged “continued disregard perpetuated towards the association” since 2024. It explained that when the KDFA president had then approached the organisers about pending disbursement of awards to winning teams, he was subjected to verbal abuse.
“When the KDFA president inquired 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 subjected to verbal abuse and disrespect, including being called a “bastard” among other derogatory remarks by one Assam Rifles (AR) officer named NN Singh, Assistant Commandant 45 Assam Rifles,” the KDFA stated.
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The association said such unbecoming behaviour towards a renowned and respected football leader has caused immense shock across the football community, and yet the issue remains unsettled.
“Amidst this unresolved issue, the Assam Rifles has gone ahead with preparations for the 9th edition of the Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Championship in Kohima without seeking due permission or acknowledgment from KDFA, the parent body responsible for football in the district,” the association pointed out. It maintained that it continued to face 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,” the KDFA said.
It referred to the AIFF Executive Committee Meeting on June 6, 2024 in Kolkata, wherein 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. The directive was that 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.
If any organisation or private bodies intend 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 blatant bypassing of KDFA authority by the organisers of the upcoming 9th edition of the Capt N Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament, the KDFA declared non-cooperation with the 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,” the association asserted. 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 is restored.
“Football must be built on respect, discipline, and recognition of due authority. Officials, players, referees, and leaders must be treated with dignity in order to safeguard the integrity of the game,” the association further underscored. Meanwhile, in a pre-event poster circulated by the Assam Rifles, the 9th edition of the championship, scheduled to be held from October 22 to November 6 at IG Stadium Kohima, is being organised by the Spear Corps and the Assam Rifles in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association.
