Kohima, August 28 (MExN): The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) has said it will continue its non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles until an unresolved issue concerning its President and the Convenor of the Organising Committee of the 8th Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Trophy 2024 is addressed.
In a statement, the association said, “The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) places on record its deep concern regarding the unresolved issue involving the President of KDFA and the Convenor of the Organising Committee of the 8th Captain N. Kenguruse Memorial Trophy 2024. In view of this and the continued disregard perpetuated towards the Association, the KDFA has resolved to continue its non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles until such time the matter is resolved.”
The association recalled that in 2024, when the KDFA President sought clarification regarding 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 an Assam Rifles officer. The KDFA said he was the recipient of derogatory remarks by one officer identified of the 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,” the KDFA stated.
Amid this, the association pointed out, 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 the KDFA, which it described as the parent body responsible for football in the district.
The KDFA further said that it has repeatedly raised concerns over 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.
Citing AIFF’s directive, the KDFA highlighted the resolution of the Executive Committee meeting held on June 6, 2024, in Kolkata. As per the directive, “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 AIFF had further directed 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.”
The KDFA said that if any organisation or private body intends to conduct tournaments in a district, it must seek prior approval and comply with all requirements, including ensuring that participation is limited to approved entities.
