TO ARREST the dwindling participation of local footballers in city leagues, Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has decided to restrict participation of outstation players in Elite Division from the coming season. Till now, clubs used to ‘import’ players from outside the city and state to make their teams strong. This hampered participation of local footballers which the clubs assumed they were feeble. NDFA President Haresh Vora, while informing life members and club representatives during its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, said that from the coming season, clubs will have to register maximum local players in their squad.

 

“The clubs need to understand that they are playing Nagpur district league. It has been noticed that clubs are ‘importing’ players from other states and ignoring local talents, especially in Elite Division. NDFA conducts tournaments to promote local talents so that they represent State and national teams. But by selecting ‘outsiders’, clubs are doing injustice to city footballers,” Vora noted. “We have decided to allow only three ‘imported’ players that too only from Maharashtra, to play in NDFA Elite Division League from this season. Teams will have to register maximum number of Nagpur players,” Vora added. Last season, Rabbani Club Kamptee won the JSW Elite Division title with footballers from Kamptee and Nagpur.

 

In contrast, runners-up Young Muslim Football Club had only a few local players while the team was heavily built on ‘outsiders’ which included a few from Jammu and Kashmir. “This three outstation players in a team will not be applicable for department teams,” Vora clarified. The NDFA President also informed that in Super Division, only three players of above 21 years of age will be allowed to participate. “There has to be a proper structure and balance. Hence we have decided to restrict the age limit in Super Division. Let the young ones fight out with their opponents of same age. The reason for permitting three players of above 21 years is to guide the young teenagers. These three senior players can be mentors for the budding footballers,” explained Vora. Surprisingly, there was no discussion held on grassroot football. The AGM failed to discuss on organising Under-13, U-15 or U-17 leagues. Such leagues can be the feeder line as it has been seen in other sports. Another major miss was discussion on women’s football. Not a single word was discussed about promoting and developing eves football in the city. The members congratulated Stanley Peter who became the first FIFA Qualified Assistant Referee from Nagpur.