Undisputedly the biggest sponsorship deal in Mizoram sports, the funds will be released in five equal instalments of Rs 25 lakh each year with the launch of the MPL tentatively in September.
The deal was signed between MFA president Lal Thanzara and Zonet Cable TV Pvt. Ltd director R.K. Lianzuala yesterday.
“We have signed an agreement with Zonet Cable TV Pvt. Ltd for five years to promote football. This will lead to wider reach of football in Mizoram,” Thanzara said.
The agreement grants Zonet Cable TV Pvt. Ltd all commercial rights to the MPL, including sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, film, video and franchising.
Lianzuala said Zonet and the MFA will work together to develop football. The MPL is slated to commence as soon as the proposed floodlights are installed at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl.
The tournament will comprise 56 matches, involving eight of the state’s best teams.
“We hope Mizoram football will scale newer heights with effective marketing and development at the grassroots level,” said MFA secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar, adding that it would be mandatory for teams, which qualify for the Mizoram Premier League, to have junior and sub-junior teams.
The MPL is tipped to be one of the few tournaments in the region which will attract players from across the region to don the Mizoram clubs’ colours. The tournament is also expected to lay the foundation for few more professional clubs from the state, apart from Aizawl FC, for the I-League.