From Early Election Announcement to Suspension: ANFA Defeated by Its Own Decisions

March 24, Kathmandu: Those in power often perceive themselves as right and their actions as justified, whether good or bad. However, they are often less aware of the negative aspects of their decisions.

External critics call for reforms, but the ruling entities tend to dismiss opposition. It is only when situations sharply change that the significant repercussions emerge.

A similar scenario has unfolded within the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

As Nepal’s largest sports organization, the football federation is viewed by many institutions as an example of strong infrastructure and budgeting. Nevertheless, failure of the leadership to fulfill their responsibilities has brought numerous problems to light.

Following the recent announcement of early elections, disputes within Nepali football have intensified, reaching court intervention.

Off the field, political conflicts between the National Sports Council (NSC) and ANFA have escalated through formal correspondence.

Due to lack of clarification from ANFA, the NSC imposed a three-month suspension on the association this Wednesday. ANFA now finds itself burdened by decisions it made unilaterally.

The NSC’s suspension decision was made based on Article 29(2) of the Sports Development Regulations 2020.

ANFA’s executive committee will remain suspended for the next three months.

The Path from Early Election Announcement to Suspension

The primary reason for the suspension was ANFA’s announcement of an early election on January 29.

This decision triggered significant controversy within Nepali football, with external individuals and clubs protesting that the move violated federation statutes.

Despite this, ANFA leadership claimed that according to majority decisions, they would hold the general assembly and early election on January 28 in Jhapa.

The NSC then issued 11 directives to ANFA, which the federation ignored, resulting in disputes leading to court cases and election postponements.

While the NSC instructed organizing elections from the district level upwards, ANFA insisted it would follow FIFA and AFC directives, allegedly neglecting local procedures.

The NSC took firm action citing ANFA’s failure to follow directives and proceeding without approval, leading to the suspension.

Nevertheless, ANFA plans to hold elections on March 26, and FIFA and AFC representatives have recently visited Nepal.

Efforts to contact ANFA’s president, general secretary, and spokesperson for comment have been unsuccessful so far.

Why Was ANFA Suspended?

1. Failure to comply with directives from the National Sports Council and disregard of the Sports Development Act, 2020.

2. Initiating an unauthorized election process without official approval.

3. Ignoring NSC’s directives and providing unsatisfactory responses to official correspondence.

4. Moving forward with activities without self-compliance or due process.

5. Prioritizing international federation directives over national laws.

6. Not fulfilling responsibilities according to the constitution approved by the NSC.

7. Refusing to comply with regulations and ignoring the accountability standards required by the regulatory body.

8. Operating contrary to the Sports Development Rules.

What Happens Following the Suspension?

The NSC formally announced the three-month suspension this Wednesday. No official response has been received yet from ANFA.

Throughout the suspension, ANFA is prohibited from conducting any football-related activities, and the impact on Nepali football is expected to be significant.

ANFA has already postponed the National League, the Martyrs Memorial Women’s League, and the scheduled Nepal-Hong Kong friendly matches.

Additionally, the Nepali women’s team’s participation in the FIFA Series 2026 in Thailand is also expected to be affected.

What Are the Chances of the Suspension Being Lifted?

The NSC has imposed the suspension for only three months, and if ANFA complies fully with the issued directives during this period, the suspension can be lifted.

According to Article 29(3) of the Sports Development Act 2020, compliance with directives allows the Council to rescind the suspension.

Steps to Lift the Suspension

ANFA must follow nine key directives given by the NSC and report back to the Council on compliance, after which lifting the suspension is possible.

ANFA has repeatedly been asked to follow directives but has failed, complicating the current situation further.

These nine directives include:

1. Maintaining stability within the federation’s constitution and implementing any new constitution only after obtaining NSC approval.

2. Incorporating clarifications regarding the Sports Development Act, 2020 in the federation’s statutes.

3. Clarifying the meaning of the Sports Development Rules, 2022 within federation regulations.

4. Including provisions for democratic elections every four years within the constitution.

5. Ensuring election procedures for officials and members follow rules.

6. Establishing provincial and district-level structures and ensuring representation in the constitution.

7. Holding a general assembly within three months following the fiscal year-end and conducting periodic elections every four years.

8. Implementing necessary amendments and modifications.

9. Obtaining approval for elections as per constitutional provisions and proceeding accordingly.

Consequences if Suspension Is Not Lifted

If ANFA fails to comply with directives, the NSC may form an interim committee.

According to Article 29(4) of the Sports Development Act, 2020, the existing committee can be dissolved, and a new committee must be formed within three months.

If the interim committee also fails to form a new committee within that period, the Council has the authority to deregister the federation.

Furthermore, the Council is empowered to notify relevant international institutions, Nepal Olympic Committee, and government ministries.

The Act also provides ANFA the opportunity to present its defense to the Council before stricter actions are taken.