Nagaland United Sports Club is on the cusp of making its debut on the national football stage, with the club seeking to acquire Aizawl FC’s licence to participate in the Indian Football League (IFL).
Advisor for Airways and Railways A. Pongshi Phom announced the development at an event on Saturday, stating that Nagaland United is likely to play its home matches in Dimapur, subject to approval from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). If approved, the move would make Nagaland the latest state to gain representation in the country’s second-tier national league. The 2026-27 IFL season is scheduled to get underway on October 16.
The proposed arrangement involves the transfer of Aizawl FC’s IFL playing rights and does not amount to a takeover or dissolution of the Mizoram-based club. Aizawl FC, popularly known as the ‘People’s Club’, is expected to continue its operations in Mizoram, including participation in the Mizoram Premier League, local competitions and youth development programmes.
The club’s sporting director has confirmed that Aizawl FC will remain active, with financial challenges associated with sustaining an IFL campaign understood to have prompted the proposed transfer. The Nagaland Football Association has already approached the AIFF and communicated the proposed change in ownership, seeking the federation’s formal approval.
Founded in 1984, Aizawl FC has enjoyed a notable place in Indian football. The club won the I-League 2 in 2015 before achieving a remarkable triumph in the 2016-17 I-League under current India head coach Khalid Jamil. For Nagaland United, the focus now is on completing the formalities before the new season begins. With the IFL campaign just weeks away, the club’s participation remains subject to AIFF clearance, while an official announcement from the new ownership is still awaited.
