Nagaland United agree to acquire Aizawl FC's IFL licence, subject to AIFF approval

Nagaland United and the owners of Aizawl FC have reached an agreement in India on August 7, 2026, for Nagaland United to acquire Aizawl FC’s Indian Football League (IFL) licence, a move that is subject to approval by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) ahead of the 2026-27 IFL season.

If the AIFF ratifies the deal, Nagaland United are likely to take Aizawl’s place in the IFL and, according to reports, would most likely stage their home matches in Dimapur; an official confirmation from the federation is still pending. Aizawl FC, meanwhile, are expected to continue competing in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL) and have announced a shift in focus toward developing youth through a residential football academy in the region.

The agreement specifically concerns the transfer of Aizawl FC’s IFL licence to Nagaland United, with the Nagaland Football Association having written to the AIFF to formally communicate the proposed change. The source reporting the deal described the transaction as reached between Aizawl’s owners and a Nagaland-based private entity, contingent on the AIFF’s sign-off.

Aizawl FC’s recent plans reflect broader organisational changes: the club will concentrate on the Mizoram Premier League and its residential academy project rather than full IFL participation, according to the same report. The article states the club’s current financial situation was a factor in the decision not to continue in the IFL under the existing ownership structure.

The report recalls Aizawl’s history in Indian football: the club was founded in 1984, won the I-League title in 2016 under coach Khalid Jamil, and claimed the I-League 2 title in 2015. The team — nicknamed “The People’s Club” — has also lifted five Mizoram Premier League titles and produced several Indian players over time, per the source.

With the IFL 2026-27 season scheduled to kick off on 16th October, the timing leaves limited runway for the AIFF to process and approve any licence transfer. The article notes uncertainty over whether the new arrangement will be finalised in time for the upcoming campaign and that an official statement from Aizawl FC is still awaited.

The next definitive step is the AIFF’s decision on the licence transfer; that ruling will determine whether Nagaland United fill Aizawl FC’s slot for the IFL season beginning 16th October and whether Dimapur will host their home fixtures.