By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR District Football Association (NDFA) has banned Nagpur Academy Football Club (NAFC) from playing its JSW Elite Division League tournament.
According to a report, NAFC had ‘forged’ a signature when it applied for an age group I-League team from Nagpur.
Taking cognisance of such a serious ‘crime’, NDFA, in its recently held meeting, decided to suspend one of the top teams of Elite Division.
According to NDFA, NAFC had sought permission from AIFF and WIFA for formation of an I-League team. They had even spent a good amount of money in getting grounds and other facilities in Nagpur. They then sought written permission from NDFA. According to an NAFC official, NDFA delayed in providing written assurance. As the last date of registration was nearing, NAFC ‘forged’ the signature of secretary Iqbal Kashmiri.
When contacted, NDFA confirmed the development and said that NAFC has been suspended from participating in any of the authorised tournaments in and around the
district.
“It is a serious crime. Such indiscipline will not be tolerated. I got a call from WIFA and AIFF regarding NDFA giving permission to NAFC. They also sent me the letter they received with our secretary’s sign and NDFA stamp. We were shocked to see the duplicate signature of Secretary Kashmiri. We summoned NAFC officials and sought an explanation for such a crime. They accepted their mistake but we had to take stern action and we decided to ban the club,” NDFA President Haresh Vora to ‘The Hitavada’.
Last season, NAFC had finished at the seventh spot after completion of the league round in the 10-team competition.
Looking at players’ futures, NDFA has allowed them to join any other club.
“We have banned only the club and not the players. It is not the fault of players. They are allowed to sign any club this season,” stated Vora.
With NAFC suspended, Qidwai Club has been promoted to Elite Division.
“There was no relegation in Elite Division last season and Qidwai Club, being Super Division champions, has been promoted,” informed Stanley Gregory, General Secretary, NDFA.
The 2023-24 season is likely to begin in the last week of September or October. Ten teams, Young Muslim Football Club, Ansar Club, Indian Friends Football Club, Nagpur Blues, Rahul Sankrutyayan, Rabbani Club, Kamptee, South East Central Railways, Manganese Ore India Limited and Big Ben Football Club, will fight for the top prize.
Meanwhile, the transfer procedure for Elite Division has been started. Players, clubs will have to complete their transfer formalities online.
The NDFA has permitted each club to register three players from other districts of Maharashtra and two from other States.
“Clubs will have to pay Rs 3000 per player if they register from other districts. For State transfer, they will have to shell out Rs 15,000 for each player,” said Stanley.
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