Sikkim is witnessing a blistering battle in the football turf as two organizations are clashing over the rights to the Sikkim Premier League (SPL) name. The Sikkim Premier League 2024-25, set to commence tomorrow at the Paljor Stadium under the auspices of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA), has been met with a legal challenge from the Football Development Pvt Ltd (FDPL), which claims to hold the rights to the brand.
The FDPL, which has organized a league under the same name since 2023, has reached out to the Sikkim Government for intervention. In a formal letter to Sports Minister Raju Basnet, FDPL has demanded a stay order against the SFA’s use of the “Sikkim Premier League” name, citing unauthorized use of their brand. The FDPL argues that the continued use of the name by the SFA undermines the league’s integrity and its original aim of enhancing football standards in Sikkim, a vision supported by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Chief Minister Tamang, in his initial response, expressed his concerns about the situation. Through a social media post, he questioned why the SFA chose to use the same branding for its event, given that the FDPL’s league has been operational since last year. CM Tamang emphasized the need for unity and collaboration in promoting football, urging all parties to avoid actions that could lead to confusion and controversy.
The FDPL’s SPL, a private initiative launched by former national and international footballers from Sikkim, began its second season on February 3, 2024, at Paljor Stadium with eight franchise clubs participating.
The league promoted by the FDPL under the aegis of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim was established to elevate standards of football in the state and provide young athletes with opportunities to excel on larger platforms.
The FDPL in its letter to the Sikkim Sports Minister asserts that their league is a significant effort envisioned by Chief Minister PS Tamang with the primary objective of nurturing and showcasing football talents across the state.
The SFA and FDPL are both keen to maintain their respective positions, leaving stakeholders and fans awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.
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