SFA unveils 2026-27 competition calendar; 'A' Division S League to kick off on July 16

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Football Association (SFA) on Friday released its competition calendar for the 2026-27 season, with the 'A' Division S League set to commence on July 16 at Paljor Stadium here.

Addressing the media on Friday, SFA general secretary Phurba Sherpa informed that a total of 10 clubs would participate in the 'A' Division S League. He stated that, in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), all clubs must register themselves in the Central Management System (CMS), while players are required to register in the Central Registration System (CRS). He added that clubs and players have already begun complying with these requirements.

Sherpa further informed that all players participating in the league must also upload their documents to DigiLocker, which has been made mandatory. He said that clubs or players who fail to complete the required registrations would not be permitted to participate in the league.

He informed that a total of 90 matches would be played in the 'A' Division S League, making it the biggest edition in the history of the State's football league. The competition will be conducted on a double league basis, with all 10 participating clubs playing each other twice.

The 10 clubs participating in the 'A' Division S League are Sikkim Police FT, Sikkim Brotherhood FC, Sikkim Akraman FC, Gangtok Himalayan SC, Howlers Sporting Singtam, Sang Mustang FC, Red Panda FC, Northerners FC, Dzongri FC and Sikkim Boys FC. Northerners FC and Dzongri FC have earned promotion to the 'A' Division S League for the upcoming season.

Sherpa emphasised that registration in the CMS and CRS is mandatory not only for clubs but also for football academies operating across the State. He said that clubs and academies failing to complete the registration process would not be eligible to participate in leagues conducted anywhere in the country. He appealed to all clubs and academies to comply with the AIFF regulations.

Speaking about the association's calendar of events, Sherpa informed that the 'B' Division S League would be held during August and September, while the 'C' Division S League is scheduled for October.

The Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Under-15 Championship will be organised in August, along with the Independence Day Cup for the Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal Men's Tournament. The prestigious All India Governor's Gold Cup is scheduled for November, while the Under-17 Boys' and Girls' League-cum-Knockout Tournament will be held in December and jointly organised by the SFA and the Indian Army.

The SFA Senior Women's League is also planned during the season.

Apart from organising leagues and tournaments, the association will also conduct a referees' refresher course in December. Grassroots football events and competitions will also be organised during weekends and government holidays to promote the sport at the grassroots level.

The SFA general secretary informed that players who were suspended during the previous Sikkim Premier League (SPL) season would not be allowed to participate in the upcoming 'A' Division S League, as the SPL is technically conducted under the SFA. He added that players serving suspensions in the 'A' Division S League would also remain ineligible to participate in SPL Season 5.

On the organisational front, Sherpa said that following recent amendments to the AIFF Constitution, the SFA is also in the process of amending its own Constitution. He stated that with the enactment of the Sports Governing Act, 2025 by Parliament, all State sports federations and associations are required to align their constitutions with the new legislation and implement its provisions in letter and spirit.

He informed that the SFA has already prepared the draft amendments to its Constitution and submitted them to the AIFF for approval. Once the approval is received, which is expected within the next three months, elections to the SFA are likely to be conducted by October 2026.

Sherpa added that although the tenure of the present SFA executive has already expired, elections have been withheld as per the directions of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports until the constitutional amendment process is completed.

On concerns regarding match-fixing, the SFA general secretary stated that the association would strictly enforce all rules and regulations laid down by the AIFF and ensure that all competitions are conducted with the highest level of discipline and transparency.

He also informed that, following requests from participating clubs, live telecast of league matches would not be undertaken. However, recorded videos of the matches would be permitted.

Sherpa further highlighted that under the proposed constitutional amendments, district football associations have been empowered to organise competitions, while a provision for deregistration has also been incorporated in case of non-performance or non-compliance.

He informed that the Gyalshing District Football Association had approached the SFA seeking recognition, following which it had been authorised to organise the 'C' Division League. The champion of the district competition will earn direct qualification to the SFA 'B' Division S League.

The SFA general secretary reiterated that district associations must also register on the AIFF portal and comply with the CMS and CRS requirements to ensure that all competitions organised by them receive official recognition. He added that the SFA has consistently implemented and complied with the rules and regulations laid down by the AIFF.

The press conference was attended by SFA executive members led by working president Chungchung Bhutia, representatives of district football associations and members of the Referees' Association.