Multiple Clubs Pull Out of Chandra Memorial Football League, TFA Faces Questions Over Management

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 20, 2026

A growing controversy has emerged around the ongoing Chandra Memorial Football League, organised under the aegis of the Tripura Football Association (TFA), with several participating clubs withdrawing from the tournament and others raising questions over the manner in which the competition is being conducted.

At least three clubs have reportedly withdrawn from the tournament so far. Ramkrishna Club, Jewel Association Club are among the teams that have stepped away from the competition. The situation took another turn on Saturday when Nine Bullets Club failed to turn up at Umakanta Stadium for its scheduled match against Egiye Chalo Club.

As Nine Bullets did not appear for the fixture, Egiye Chalo Club was declared the winner by walkover.

The repeated withdrawal of teams has raised questions within the local football fraternity about what is happening behind the scenes in one of Tripura's important domestic football competitions. However, the TFA has so far not provided a clear public explanation for why several clubs have decided to discontinue their participation.

According to allegations raised by several clubs, the tournament is not always being conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the competition. Some clubs have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with decisions taken during matches and with the overall administration of the league.

Questions have also been raised over refereeing. Some clubs have alleged that refereeing decisions have not always been impartial and have claimed that certain teams may have received favourable treatment. These remain allegations made by the concerned clubs and have not been independently established.

The latest walkover involving Nine Bullets has further intensified discussion among players, officials and supporters about the reasons behind the growing number of withdrawals.

Some clubs and football stakeholders have also alleged that political considerations are increasingly influencing the administration of football in Tripura. According to these allegations, individuals without sufficient involvement in the sporting field have gained significant influence in the functioning of the association, while decisions are allegedly being taken on the basis of political connections rather than sporting considerations.

There are also allegations that some TFA officials are using political influence to implement decisions that, according to the protesting clubs, are inconsistent with established rules.

These are serious allegations. However, there is currently no independent evidence establishing that political interference has directly influenced particular match decisions or withdrawals. The TFA's response to these allegations would therefore be important in clarifying the situation.

The withdrawal of multiple teams from a major league is significant because domestic competitions depend heavily on the participation of clubs, regular fixtures and confidence in the tournament's administration.

If more teams withdraw or matches continue to be decided through walkovers, it could affect the competitiveness and credibility of the remaining fixtures. It may also create uncertainty for players, coaches and supporters who depend on the league for regular competitive football.

The immediate issue, therefore, is not merely the absence of one club from one match, but the broader concern over why several clubs have reportedly chosen to leave the competition.

The Tripura Football Association is now facing increasing pressure to explain the circumstances surrounding the withdrawals and to address the complaints reportedly raised by participating clubs.

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