Sadar Hills FA banned for three editions of NSF Trophy

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves across the football fraternity of Nagaland and Manipur, the Jury Board of the 25th Anniversary Edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 has handed down a three-edition ban on Sadar Hills Football Academy, Manipur.
The ruling came after the Academy officially communicated its inability to participate in its scheduled third match against Michazou Football Club, Kohima, slated for October 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
It is worth mentioning that the Kuki-Zo community in Sadar Hills will observe “Separation Day” on October 3 under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity, which has also imposed a 12-hour total shutdown in the entire district, apart from restricting the Kuki-Zo community from traveling, entertainment, jhumming, cultivation, etc.
All shops and business establishments, both government and private institutions, will remain closed during the shutdown as per the CoTU statement. Emergency services such as medical, power, water, airport, religious activities, condolences, and media only will be exempted from the purview of the total shutdown.
Citing By-Law Rule No. 24 of the tournament regulations, which mandates all teams to complete their fixtures or face disciplinary consequences, the Jury Board declared the decision final. The rule explicitly states that any defaulting team will face a walkover and further disciplinary actions deemed appropriate.
As a result, the team management officials, 20 registered players, and the Academy as an institution have been banned from participating in the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy for the next three consecutive editions with immediate effect.
The ruling, signed by Steering Committee Convenor Medo Yhokha and Angami Students’ Union President Diezevisie Nakhro, underscores the tournament’s commitment to upholding discipline, accountability, and fairness in the spirit of the game.