Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic Association & Vice President, Athletics Federation of India, and member NSL governing body, Abu Metha clarified that the delay in the disbursement of prize money to clubs in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) was due to non-fulfilment of mandatory compliances by several franchises.
His response came when media persons asked him on the delay in disbursement of prize money, while addressing a press conference held at Niathu Resort, on Monday, titled, “Final Score: Press Conference”.
Metha stated that such type of leagues, tournaments, even contracts, take time for payments to come through, pointing that some leagues around the world take months for prizes to come through.
He however added that all prize transactions were carried out strictly through bank transfers, with no cash involvement. “From day one, every ‘Man of the Match’ prize was done via bank transfer, based on the bank details submitted by the teams”, he said.
He pointed that while individual awards were already disbursed, prize money to clubs were withheld for those that failed to meet essential requirements, such as payment of match penalties, and submission of player contract documents.
Metha pointed that it was mandatory for franchisees to make payment of cash penalties before their next match. He informed that many teams could not fulfil these norms, however added that the NSL went ahead with matches. He also pointed that some of the teams have not paid the mandatory match penalties which they are supposed to pay.
He further added that when NSL was conceptualized, it came with a clear framework of rules and regulations aimed at promoting and protecting footballers.
“We made it compulsory that each franchisee must have a personal contract with each player. A contract that is vetted by the NFA and that is as per the norms of the All India Football Federation”, he stated.
Asserting that NSL cannot bend the rules for anyone, he maintained that only those who fulfilled the required compliances, such as submitting monthly reports and transaction proofs of player payments, were eligible to receive prize money.
He also cited financial support extended to the clubs, reminding that each franchise was given ticket value worth Rs. 5 lakh before the league began, which served as a form of revenue support.
He later clarified that whichever clubs submitted all documentation and adhered to the NSL and AIFF regulations already received their prize money, while adding that those who did not, should have to fulfil their obligations.
“Failing to do so may even affect their registration status with the All India Football Federation”, he stated. When asked on the second season for NSL, and the expectations of the fans, Metha replied that preparations for the second season of NSL was set to begin soon, with organizers eyeing major improvements in structure, scope, and scale.
Metha observed that NSL 1 was an experimental phase meant to build strong foundation and brand for future of football in the state. With the inaugural season now concluded in a high note, he said the focus would shift to enhancing league’s competitiveness, expanding participation, and increasing fan engagement.
Metha noted that following a summer break, formal process would be launched for the entry of new franchises, and existing teams will have to meet compliance regulations to retain their spots. He also confirmed that a wave of interest was already pouring in from potential investors and sports enthusiasts who were eager to be part of the next edition.
“The expansion will not only include more teams and matches but could also stretch the league’s duration, making it a more demanding and resource-intensive venture”, he stated.
Metha also addressed the widespread lamentations about the stadium size, seating capacity, and infrastructure, and reiterated on Chief Minister Dr. Rio’s speech on the final day, who publicly announced that state government’s commitment to expanding stadium capacity.
He also confirmed that relevant department had already conducted surveys for additional gallery space, while adding that improvements to the current stadium were in progress.
Metha further informed that NSL governing body was optimistic about increasing prize money and overall appeal of the tournament.
He also added that efforts were underway to push for the inclusion of two or three teams from Nagaland in the I-League, especially after this year’s NSL champion secured a spot in the national tournament.
Metha emphasized that the growth of Indian football, particularly its rise on the national stage, must begin with the Northeast, and viewed that Nagas have the potential to lead this charge.
Asked on the brain child behind the NSL, Mehta credited it to the people of Nagaland, adding that there had been a lot of demand for a state-level professional league He also revealed pressure from the Chief Minister to have a league. “NSL was not the brainchild of a single individual”, he stated.
Meanwhile, Metha stated that NSL 2024–25 was an overwhelming success, surpassing all expectations, citing that the level of success, response and support from all sections were beyond their expectation.
On behalf of the NOA and the sports fraternity, he also congratulated Nagaland Football Association, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, and State Government, for winning the AIFF Special Award for a new project, pointing that this was a victory not just for football, but for all of Nagaland.
Metha also dwelled on the challenges faced by the NSL team in executing the league. He stated that limited resources and infrastructure were the two main challenges faced by the NSL.
He however added that NSL was successful because hundreds of people worked for months and weeks behind the scenes, day and night. He also added that the league’s success was driven by the incredible support from fans across the state, both in stadiums and on digital platforms, adding that NSL had millions of views, while over 60,000 people attended live matches, terming it as a record for sport in Nagaland.
Metha also dwelled on how the NSL proved that sport has the power to unify, pointing that once the NSL commenced, it brought Nagaland together. “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”, he stated.
Emphasizing on the development of football from the grassroot level, Mehta informed that NSL selection board came up with a team of best Under 20 players who played in NSL, and tied up with the Inspire Institute of Sport and JSW Foundation in Bangalore. He stated that the selected team will undergo a preparatory coaching here, and then would go and train at the Inspire Institute of Sport.
Earlier, delivering the opening remarks, Chairman NSL and General Secretary NFA, Benei M. Lanthiu, MLA, said that NSL, which began as a vision had now become a reality.
He also added that NSL successfully provided platform for young footballers to not only showcase their talent but also pursue football as a profession.
Expressing that the state has had already witnessed great heights, he expressed hope that to reaching even greater heights in the days to come.
Also addressing the media, president NFA and member NSL Governing Body, Neibü Sekhose, stated that the state was steadily moving forward in the field of sports, especially football.
He also expressed that it was a proud moment for the state to have received recognition from the AIFF for its investment in the sport, and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Rio for his consistent and all-round support. “With a pro-sports and pro-youth government in place, the state is giving so much back to our youth through sports”, he stated.