YAS, DESAM censure AMFA over I-league fiasco
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 10 2023:
Youth Affairs and Sports Department has placed a temporary ban on All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) following the latest fiasco regarding nomination of state's team to the Hero I-league Second Division.
Addressing a press meet at the department's conference hall, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on Tuesday, YAS director T Phulen said that YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam communicated with All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the row.
Consequently, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey directed his secretary to conduct an enquiry on the nomination of Manipur state team for the I-league second division and submit a report at the earliest.
Keeping in view of the pending enquiry, the department has banned AMFA until further notice, he said while expressing hope that a solution will emerge once the enquiry is completed.
Meanwhile, Democratic Students' Alliance Manipur (DESAM) has announced boycott of the president and the secretary of AMFA stating that the students' body has proof of injustice done by the two heads of the association.
Addressing a press meet in this regard at the artificial turf ground, Lamlong, on Tuesday, DESAM president Leishangthem Lamyanba said that the decision to boycott the two heads of state football's apex body was taken following their involvement in sending a team other than the Manipur State League (MSL) winners or runners up for participation in the I-league second division in an unjust manner.
He also said that DESAM will stand for the players of the state and they will not allow such injustice.
Lamyanba further said that AMFA held a meeting of the executive council on December 9 after issuing a notice on December 8 without informing any football clubs.
The meeting recommended another team rather than the winners of runners up of MSL to the I-league second division tournament.
The way AMFA took the decision violates the trust of football clubs and the whole player community of the state, he added.