Shillong, Sep 29: The Meghalaya Football Association, following a directive
from the All India Football Federation, has taken a firm decision to regulate unauthorised and unregistered football tournaments in the state.
This step had already been discussed at the MFA annual general meeting in May but has now been fleshed out more.
The MFA Executive Committee has resolved that all organisers of unauthorised or unregistered tournaments (often referred to as bosti tournaments) must seek permission from the respective district association under whose jurisdiction the tournament will take place.
The relevant district association will then forward the application to the MFA for final approval.
The MFA also listed consequences for non-compliance for players and referees who participate in tournaments that have not gone through the permission process.
“Any unauthorised or unregistered tournament held without the permission of their
respective association and the approval of the MFA will face strict action,” the MFA said in a press release today. “Players registered under the Central Registration System (CRS) of the AIFF and those registered with the affiliated units of the MFA who participate in such tournaments will be subject to disciplinary measures, including fines and suspension.”
Referees/match officials registered under CRS and affiliated to the MFA who officiate in such tournaments will also face disciplinary measures, again including fines and suspension.
“The MFA strongly advises all organisers, players, referees and officials to comply with the proper procedures. This step is being taken to ensure fair, transparent and regulated football activity across Meghalaya, in line with the rules and governance of the AIFF,” the MFA release concluded.