1. A dispute over the Sikkim Premier League (SPL) has sparked tension between the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and the state government.
2. The conflict centers on who holds the authority to organize and host the prestigious tournament.
3. The controversy raises questions about the rightful ownership of the SPL brand and the future management of the league.
Gangtok, 30: A dispute has arisen in Sikkim over the upcoming Sikkim Premier League (SPL), creating tension between the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and the state government. The conflict revolves around the authority to organize and host this prestigious football tournament.
The SFA recently announced plans to hold the 2024-25 SPL at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok from August 31 to October 10, featuring eight premier division clubs. However, this move has sparked strong criticism from Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
“Through digital media, I learned that the Sikkim Football Association is organizing a separate Sikkim Premier League. As everyone knows, the SPL is already professionally managed by Football Development (P) Ltd. with the primary goal of promoting football in our state,” Tamang remarked.
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He further emphasized, “We must collectively work for the betterment of football and our players. Initiatives like this only create unnecessary confusion and controversy, and we should focus on what is best for the sport.”
At the center of the dispute is the question of who owns the rights to the SPL brand. Football Development (P) Ltd. (FDPL), the company traditionally managing the league, claims that the SFA is using their brand name without authorization.
In a letter to the state’s Sports Minister Raju Basnet, FDPL urged government intervention, arguing that the SPL, initiated by the Chief Minister himself to nurture football talent in Sikkim, must be protected to maintain its integrity.
The FDPL board, which includes notable players like Nirmal Chettri, Robin Gurung, and Sanju Pradhan, insists that the league should remain under government oversight.
As the scheduled start date nears, neither the SFA nor the state government appears willing to compromise. The stalemate casts uncertainty over this year’s SPL, potentially affecting players and fans alike.
