Northeast Desk, 30th August: A major dispute has erupted in Sikkim over the organisation of the upcoming Sikkim Premier League (SPL), pitting the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) against the state government. The conflict centers on the rights to organise and host the prestigious football tournament, which has become a significant event in the state’s sports calendar.
The SFA recently announced its plans to hold the 2024-25 SPL at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok from August 31 to October 10, featuring eight premier division clubs. However, this decision has sparked criticism from Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who publicly questioned the SFA’s authority to organise the event.
Chief Minister Tamang expressed his concerns, stating, “Recently, through digital media platforms, I came to know that the Sikkim Football Association is conducting a separate Sikkim Premier League. As everybody knows, the SPL is already being professionally managed by Football Development (P) Ltd. with the primary goal of promoting football in our state.”
He emphasized the need for unity, saying, “We all have to collectively and together work towards the benefit of football and our players. We all have to avoid initiatives like this one that create unnecessary confusion and controversy and do what is better for the good of the sport.”
At the core of the dispute is the question of who holds the rights to the SPL brand. Football Development (P) Ltd. (FDPL), a company traditionally responsible for managing the league, has accused the SFA of using the SPL brand name without proper authorization.
In a letter to the state’s Sports Minister Raju Basnet, FDPL urged the government to intervene, arguing that the SPL was initiated by the Chief Minister himself to nurture football talent in Sikkim and must be protected. The FDPL board, which includes prominent players like Nirmal Chettri, Robin Gurung, and Sanju Pradhan, maintains that the league should remain under government oversight to ensure its integrity and alignment with its original objectives.
As the scheduled start date for the SPL approaches, both the SFA and the state government appear resolute in their positions, with neither side showing signs of backing down. This impasse leaves the future of this year’s SPL uncertain, raising concerns about the impact on players, clubs, and football fans across the state.
Read More: Mukul Sangma Urges Swift Implementation of Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act