Nagaland United reach agreement to take over Aizawl FC's IFL spot
The agreement is subject to AIFF approval.
Nagaland United are very close to securing a spot in the upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) after reaching an agreement with the owners of Aizawl FC to acquire the club’s Indian Football League (IFL) license, which is subject to approval by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as they will be competing in IFL.
If approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Nagaland United are most likely to play their home matches in Dimapur.
While Nagaland United now prepare to enter a new chapter in Indian football with Indian Football League (IFL), Aizawl FC are likely to continue competing further in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL) domestically and also the former I-League champions are set to shift their focus towards nurturing young talents via a residential football academy in the region.
Uncertain future for a historic club
Aizawl FC are a historic Indian football club which was founded in 1984 and since then have been one of the most significant parts of Indian football. The club saw lifted their first I-League title in 2016 under the leadership of current India head coach Khalid Jamil and won the I-League 2 just a year before this in 2015.
Also Read: Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 kickoff date revealed
Nicknamed as “The People’s Club” Aizawl FC have been a prominent name in domestic football having won five Mizoram Premium League (MPL) title and have produced some good Indian footballers overtime.
But now, it is reported that the club’s current financial scenario isn’t well to continue participation in IFL after which a Nagaland based private entity and owners of Aizawl FC joined hands.
The Nagaland Football Association has written to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), formally communicating the proposed change, and has reached an agreement.
With the change in ownership, it is now uncertain whether the club will play in the IFL 2026-27 as it is just 2 months away now with kickoff scheduled for 16th October. However, an official statement from the club is still awaited.
Is the agreement between Nagaland United and Aizawl FC agreed?
Yes, Nagaland United have reached an agreement with the owners of Aizawl FC to acquire the club’s Indian Football League (IFL) license, which is subject to approval by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
When will IFL 2026-27 start?
IFL 2026-27 will start on October 16th.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.