Guwahati, Oct. 28 -- The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a 45-year lease of 19.99 acres of land at Mawkhanu in New Shillong to Northeast United FC for a football academy, with a proposed investment of Rs 40-50 crore.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the decision on X, saying the academy would have three football grounds, accommodation and other facilities to develop local football talent and prepare young players for higher levels of competition.

The initiative is intended to support grassroots football development in the state, where the government is already backing local clubs and talent through Mission Football and other programmes.

In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved the purchase of an additional 2,81,000 square fe...