Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association & Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, and a key member of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) governing body, addressed the recent concerns regarding the delayed disbursement of prize money to participating clubs in the Nagaland Super League (NSL). Speaking at a press conference titled “Final Score: Press Conference” held at Niathu Resort on Monday, Metha clarified that the hold-up was primarily due to several franchises not fulfilling mandatory compliance requirements.
Responding to media inquiries about the delay, Metha emphasized that payment processes for leagues and tournaments, including contracts, often take time, citing instances of prize money disbursement taking months in leagues worldwide. He assured that all NSL prize transactions were conducted strictly via bank transfers, ensuring transparency and eliminating cash handling. He highlighted that individual player awards had already been disbursed through bank transfers based on submitted team details.
However, Metha stated that club prize money was withheld from teams that failed to meet essential prerequisites. These included settling match penalties and submitting crucial player contract documentation, which were mandatory according to NSL regulations designed to protect footballers. He reiterated that franchises were obligated to pay cash penalties before their subsequent matches, a norm that several teams did not adhere to, although the league continued as scheduled.
Highlighting the foundational principles of the NSL, Metha underscored that the league was conceptualized with a clear framework of rules aimed at promoting and safeguarding the interests of footballers. A key requirement was that each franchise must have a formal contract with every player, vetted by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and aligned with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) standards.
Metha firmly asserted that the NSL could not make exceptions to these regulations. Only clubs that fulfilled all necessary compliances, including submitting monthly reports and proof of player payment transactions, were eligible to receive their prize money. He also reminded attendees of the initial financial support extended to each franchise in the form of ₹5 lakh worth of ticket value, providing upfront revenue.
He further clarified that clubs that had submitted all required documentation and adhered to NSL and AIFF regulations had already received their prize money. He cautioned that those who had not fulfilled their obligations risked potential repercussions, including their registration status with the All-India Football Federation.
Looking ahead, Metha announced that preparations for the second season of the NSL were slated to commence soon, with organizers focused on significant improvements in structure, scope, and scale. He described the inaugural NSL season as an experimental phase crucial for establishing a robust foundation and brand for the future of football in Nagaland. With the successful conclusion of the first season, the focus would now shift to enhancing the league’s competitiveness, broadening participation, and increasing fan engagement.
Metha indicated that following a summer break, a formal process would be initiated for the entry of new franchises, while existing teams would need to meet compliance regulations to secure their continued participation. He confirmed substantial interest from potential investors and sports enthusiasts eager to be part of the league’s next edition. He noted that the expansion could involve more teams, matches, and a longer league duration, requiring greater resources and commitment.
Addressing concerns about stadium infrastructure, including size and seating capacity, Metha referred to Chief Minister Dr. Rio’s public commitment on the final day to expand stadium capacity. He confirmed that relevant government departments had already conducted surveys for additional gallery space, and improvements to the existing stadium were underway.
Metha also expressed the NSL governing body’s optimism about increasing prize money and the overall appeal of the tournament in future seasons. Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing efforts to advocate for the inclusion of two or three teams from Nagaland in the national I-League, particularly following the NSL champion’s qualification for the national tournament.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of the Northeast in the growth of Indian football, Metha expressed his belief that Nagaland has the potential to be at the forefront of this progress.
When asked about the genesis of the NSL, Metha credited the people of Nagaland, highlighting the significant demand for a state-level professional league and acknowledging the Chief Minister’s encouragement. He stated emphatically, “NSL was not the brainchild of a single individual.”
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural NSL 2024-25 season, Metha declared it an overwhelming success that surpassed all expectations, citing the exceptional level of response and support from all stakeholders.
On behalf of the NOA and the sports fraternity, he extended congratulations to the Nagaland Football Association, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, and the State Government for receiving the AIFF Special Award for a new project, recognizing it as a victory for the entire state.
Metha also acknowledged the challenges faced by the NSL team in executing the league, primarily limited resources and infrastructure. However, he emphasized that the league’s success was a result of the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes and the incredible support from fans across Nagaland, both in stadiums and online, with millions of views and over 60,000 live attendees – a record for sports in Nagaland.
He further elaborated on how the NSL served as a unifying force for Nagaland, stating, “Our aim to unify Nagaland through football, I think, was largely achieved. When we spoke to the players, we told them that each and every footballer is an ambassador to unify Nagaland. And that we did.”
Highlighting the focus on grassroots development, Metha informed that the NSL selection board identified a team of the best Under-20 players from the league and partnered with the Inspire Institute of Sport and JSW Foundation in Bangalore. These selected players will undergo preparatory coaching in Nagaland before training at the Inspire Institute of Sport.
Earlier, Benei M. Lanthiu, MLA, Chairman NSL and General Secretary NFA, in his opening remarks, stated that the NSL, which began as a vision, had become a tangible reality. He emphasized that the NSL successfully provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent and pursue football as a profession. He expressed optimism for even greater achievements in the future.
Neibü Sekhose, President NFA and member of the NSL Governing Body, also addressed the media, noting the steady progress of the state in sports, particularly football. He expressed pride in the AIFF’s recognition of the state’s investment in the sport and conveyed gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Rio for his consistent support, stating, “With a pro-sports and pro-youth government in place, the state is giving so much back to our youth through sports.”