A Division S-League: SFA hires referees from Assam; Sikkim Boys withdraw boycott decision

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and Sikkim Boys FC have resolved their disputes with the Gangtok-based club agreeing to continue their participation in the ongoing ‘A’ Division S-League.

A press release informs that the SFA has arranged a referee team from Assam along with local national-level for conducting the ongoing ‘A’ Division S-League smoothly.

Alleged poor refereeing was a major reason for Sikkim Boys FC to walk out its second league match and to announce boycott of the league on Monday.

On Tuesday, the SFA held a meeting with Sikkim Boys FC to discuss the incident for reaching an amicable solution. It was informed to the club that the SFA has arranged a referee team from Assam along with local national-level referees for smooth conduct of the league.

The Sikkim Boys officials were fully convinced and agreed to continue their participation in the ongoing league, the SFA said in its press statement.

“The SFA also appreciates and welcomes the decision taken by Sikkim Boys FC to continue with their participation in the ‘A’ Division S-League 2024-25 in the interests of Sikkim Football and its stakeholders. The SFA looks forward to work together with Sikkim Boys FC and all the clubs to address all their legitimate concerns for the advancement of Sikkim Football,” said the the SFA.

Sikkim Boys FC general secretary Milan Lepcha, at the meeting, spoke about the club’s aim to promote local football talents with the ultimate aim of creating future star footballers from Sikkim. That’s why SFA and every club have to stand together for the betterment and to uplift the State football, he said.

As per the SFA, the team officials accepted that it was technically a big mistake to leave the field when the team was very much positive about their game.

The SFA happily accepted and appreciated the views expressed by the Sikkim Boys officials, the release mentions.

“The SFA is a parental organization of the football in the State and this is the priority to move with the club to support and highlight to improve the club culture and State football. Maybe SFA and different clubs sounds different by names, but the ultimate truth is, we all are one family, like huge tree decorated with different branches, standing together with an ultimate goal and aim that is football,” said SFA senior vice president Shyam Pradhan.