Kohima: Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) has declared a complete boycott of an upcoming Assam Rifles football tournament, escalating a dispute rooted in alleged verbal abuse against its president and long-standing concerns over unsanctioned competitions.
The association announced that no teams or players registered under it will participate in the event and warned of strict action against those who defy the directive.
The friction traces back to the 2024 Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Trophy. Following a delay of over two weeks in the disbursement of cash prizes to winning teams, KDFA President M. Zakir Hussain inquired about the status, only to be allegedly subjected to verbal abuse by Assistant Commandant N.N. Singh of 45 Assam Rifles. The association stated that its president was called a “bastard” and other derogatory names, an incident that has left the local football community “shocked.” The KDFA said the issue remains unresolved.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Assam Rifles has moved forward with preparations for the 9th edition of the championship without seeking the mandatory permission from KDFA, which serves as the official governing body for football in the district. The KDFA’s boycott aligns with recent directives from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which, in a June 6 meeting, mandated that all registered players, coaches, and referees must not participate in any tournament that is not sanctioned by the state or district associations. The AIFF’s directive empowers state and district bodies to take strong action against violators.
KDFA officials have consistently voiced concerns about unauthorised tournaments undermining the established football governance structure. The association has called on the Nagaland Football Association to stand in solidarity and suspend the tournament until the matter is resolved. The association asserts that proper tournament organisation is based on “respect, discipline, and recognition of due authority,” highlighting a broader tension between military organisations and civilian sports bodies over jurisdiction and the treatment of local officials.
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