Nagaland Football Association has decided to take disciplinary action against 14 players by imposing a suspension of five months, from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2024. The penalty prohibits the players from participating from any NFA affiliated or registered tournaments and leagues.

The decision to ban the footballers was made based on the reports and findings submitted by Disciplinary Action Committee, NFA notified on Tuesday.

On 4th October, Nagaland Football Association issued a show cause notice to 16 players who were reported to have failed to attend the selection Trial Camp for Santosh Trophy 2023 without prior intimation or obtaining proper permission.

The NFA had asked the16 players to either appear in person or submit a written explanation for their absence within the following seven days. Furthermore, they were expected to provide a valid reason justifying why disciplinary action should not be pursued against them.

Sources informed that two of the players, namely, Alumse and Hemping, who were also part of the initial group of 16 footballers, were granted an exemption on medical grounds.

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The 14 suspended NFA players include Merensang, Nyithong Magh, Kekhrie Tsira, Sinlo Kent, Hekato, Haotinmang Thomsong (Victor), James Kithan, Temjen Longkumer, Kevisalie Sechu, Petevizo Kezie-o, Rhitso Mero, Laloureiyang Pamei (Aloumal), Awang Renta and Benrithung.

Sources have also told Nagaland Tribune that some players from the suspended group are participating in the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2023 being organised by the Mokokchung District Football Association. But it has been learned that the disciplinary action will not affect the tournament taking place in Mokokchung, which is scheduled to conclude on 3rd November 2023, two days after the NFA suspension comes into effect.