Only option left is to approach Court: MSLPTF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 03 2018: Manipur State League Participating Teams' Forum is ready to approach law Court after 9 teams have been scratched off by All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) from the 12th Manipur State League which featured 12 teams in the beginning.

The tournament sponsored by Khumukcham Ingocha Singh Memorial Trust began on September 6 last year under the aegis of AMFA at the Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak which was followed by other matches at Mapal Kangjeibung.

The tournament has been embroiled in controversies after an unfortunate incident between team officials and referees on October 10 .

Speaking to the media at the press club, a spokesperson of the MSLPTF (a conglomerate of 11 teams participating in the State league) said that AMFA has failed to constitute an arbitration tribunal which it promised in a joint meeting held between the two parties on October 22.On the contrary, AMFA had scratched off 9 teams- Tiddim Road Athletic Union, Young Physique Union, Sagolband United, North Imphal Sporting Association, Dimapur Road Athletic Organisation, Anouba Imagi Mangal, Nambul Mapal Athletic and Cultural Organisation, FC Zalen and Muvanlai Athletics on December 30, he said.

He further said the action of AMFA was very unfortunate and the only option left for the forum was to seek legal action.

The officials of the nine expelled teams also condemned the action of AMFA and accused the latter for delaying the league and their inability to provide tournament conduct rule in time.

They also decried improper facility provided during the league for players like sub-standard changing rooms, toilets, absence of playground fence etc.

The spokesperson of the forum further questioned whether AMFA was under the referees as the former had not spoken anything when the referees decided not to conduct any further matches from the next day of the ugly incident.

The forum also asked who was steering the highest body of football in the State and expressed suspicion whether the body was going according to whims of some coaches.

They also asked the stand of AMFA whether they will remain silent over a co-opted member who is also in the executive council of the association and spoke against the president of AMFA in a discussion show of a local television channel recently.

The forum also resented alteration of conduct rule every now and then and alleged that AMFA itself violated its own conduct rule of the 12th Manipur State League by selecting players from 3 clubs only for the upcoming Santosh Trophy.

The forum also accused AMFA that the body is doing whatever it wanted by sidelining all the guidelines of world football governing body FIFA.

If AMFA had reached out to the forum and settled the issue calmly, the current situation might not have popped up, he added.

Expressing how hard it is to develop a club and participate in the league, the forum lamented that the current situation is unfortunate.

The forum also sought help of all organisations and sports lovers of the State in settling the issue amicably.

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