Aizawl: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved a proposed “Goodwill Deal” between Aizawl FC and Nagaland United SC, paving the way for Nagaland to have a club competing at the national level from the 2026-27 season, Aizawl FC said.
The agreement seeks to promote football in Mizoram and Nagaland through the exchange of technical support, human resources and football-development expertise at both academy and professional levels.
The development follows Aizawl FC’s visit to Nagaland on June 6, 2026.
During the visit, Aizawl FC owner and MLA Robert R Royte, a former Mizoram minister, said Nagaland deserved a club competing in a national-level league.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had also previously indicated that the state would have a team competing in the Indian Football League (IFL) from the current season.
Under the agreement, Aizawl FC is expected to provide technical and professional expertise, drawing on its experience in national and Asian competitions, while Nagaland United SC will contribute to the development and professionalisation of football in Nagaland.
The two clubs are expected to form a combined setup for the coming season following approval of the agreement.
The deal comes amid a debate over government support for football clubs in Mizoram. Aizawl FC said it formalised the agreement after the Mizoram government announced financial support running into crores for Chanmari FC without including Aizawl FC.
Aizawl FC described itself as the reigning Mizoram Premier League (MPL) champion and the state’s longest-serving club in the I-League/IFL, having competed for 11 consecutive years without relegation.
The club also highlighted its former I-League title and recent victory in the Mizoram Independence Day Football Trophy.
The club further claimed that it has produced more players who went on to play in the ISL and I-League/IFL than any other club in the state and has a substantial fan base outside Mizoram.
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