Sikkim Premier League Faces Controversy Amid Clash Between Sikkim Football Association and State Government

A major dispute has erupted over the Sikkim Premier League (SPL), creating tension between the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and the state government. The controversy revolves around who holds the rights to organize and host the SPL, a key event in Sikkim’s sports calendar.

The SFA announced plans to host the 2024-25 SPL at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok from August 31 to October 10, featuring eight premier division clubs. This announcement has been met with criticism from Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who has questioned the SFA’s authority to organize the league.

Chief Minister Tamang expressed his concerns via digital media, stating, “I recently learned that the Sikkim Football Association is planning a separate SPL. As everyone knows, the SPL is managed professionally by Football Development (P) Ltd. (FDPL), aimed at promoting football in our state.”

Tamang called for unity, emphasizing, “We must work collectively for the benefit of football and our players, avoiding initiatives that cause confusion and controversy.”

Central to the dispute is the ownership of the SPL brand. FDPL, traditionally responsible for the league’s management, has accused the SFA of using the SPL name without authorization. In a letter to Sports Minister Raju Basnet, FDPL argued that the league, initiated by the Chief Minister to nurture local talent, should remain under government oversight to preserve its integrity.

The board of FDPL, which includes notable players like Nirmal Chettri, Robin Gurung, and Sanju Pradhan, asserts that the league’s alignment with its original objectives must be maintained.

With the league’s start date approaching, both the SFA and the state government are standing firm, leaving the future of this year’s SPL uncertain. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about the potential impact on players, clubs, and football enthusiasts in Sikkim.