The All India Football Federation has cleared a proposed Goodwill Deal between Aizawl FC and Nagaland United SC, allowing Nagaland to field a club at the national level starting with the 2026‑27 season.
The deal aims to boost football in Mizoram and Nagaland by exchanging technical support, human resources and development expertise at both academy and professional levels.
The agreement follows Aizawl FC’s visit to Nagaland on 6 June 2026. Owner and MLA Robert R Royte, a former Mizoram minister, said the state deserved a national‑league team, a view echoed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who previously announced a team for the IFL. Under the pact, Aizawl FC will provide technical and professional expertise drawn from its national and Asian competition experience, while Nagaland United SC will focus on developing and professionalising football locally.
The deal comes amid debate over government support for football clubs in Mizoram. Aizawl FC said it formalised the agreement after the Mizoram government announced crores of financial support for Chanmari FC but omitted Aizawl. The club, the reigning MPL champion and the state’s longest‑serving I‑League/IFL side with 11 straight seasons, has won the I‑League title, recently claimed the Mizoram Independence Day Football Trophy, produced more ISL and I‑League/IFL players than any other Mizoram club, and enjoys a substantial fan base beyond the state.
