After the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the relegation of two North-East teams from the I-League last season, both Neroca FC and TRAU FC decided to move to court against the relegation. Delhi High Court has set the 24th of September for the next hearing.

The clubs submitted their appeal to the Delhi High Court through a Delhi-based lawyer on the 6th of September. Both the clubs in their petitions had the common appeal that the AIFF should consider the restless condition of Manipur due to ethnic conflict. 

The ethnic violence which started on 3rd May last year created a complete stalemate across the state and as a reflection none of the teams could play their home matches at home venues. Reasons have also been mentioned in the petition that the teams could not even train at their home grounds due to the deadlock.

In the 13-team I-League, Neroca FC finished with 14 points while TRAU FC were the last to have finished in the 13th position garnering 13 points only.

The AIFF's decision to impose the relegation was taken as per rules and regulations. It is learned that still both the clubs' top brasses were disappointed with the federation's decision as it even did not consider Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's request to the AIFF to consider it as a special issue and exempt the teams from relegation this season. 

"Our Chief Minister made repeated requests to the AIFF. Even he sent an official appeal to the Federation to consider it a special case and exempt both TRAU and Neroca FC from relegation. Anyway, we hope to get justice from the court," commented Neroca FC secretary Manimohon Moirangthem. 

Meanwhile, Neroca FC is planning to introduce a women's football team in the future. Around 50 girls already have been training at the club's ground for the last couple of years. Looking forward to the IWL, the club's top brass is now planning to build up a professional women's football team and take part in the state women's league.