History of Elections and Controversies at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was established in 1953. Following the restoration of multiparty democracy, ANFA has started selecting its leadership through a democratic electoral process. However, the election process within ANFA has not been smooth or free from controversy. As Nepal’s most popular sport and highest-budget organization, ANFA has repeatedly experienced disputes during leadership selection.

In 1987, after a cyclone caused the death of over 71 people at the Dashrath Rangashala stadium, sports officials resigned on moral grounds. Those who resigned included then Sports Minister Keshar Bahadur Bista, National Sports Council Secretary Sharad Chandra Shah, and ANFA President Kamal Thapa. After Thapa’s resignation, Chandra Bahadur Gurung was appointed as ANFA president. After Gurung also stepped down, Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan served as acting president. Subsequently, Adityadhwaj Joshi took over ANFA’s leadership, but he too resigned, after which acting president Purushottam Shrestha assumed responsibilities.

Ganesh Thapa was appointed president on March 6, 1995 (Chaitra 22, 2051 BS). However, FIFA did not recognize Thapa’s leadership, instead recognizing the leadership of Rukma Shamsher. Thapa’s ad hoc committee held elections in October 1995 (Ashwin 2052 BS), which FIFA accepted, beginning an era of Thapa’s leadership in Nepali football. However, controversies started during his tenure. In 2005/06 (2062/63 BS), when elections were due, clubs in the ‘B’ division launched protests demanding 18 specific demands. Thapa had raised players’ salaries, which caused financial difficulties for the clubs.

Although ANFA’s term was set to end by July 19, 2026 (Asar 4, 2083 BS), its executive committee decided on January 12, 2026 (Magh 28, 2082 BS) to hold early elections. This decision sparked disputes. Several clubs and districts opposed holding central elections without conducting elections at lower levels. The Department of Sports sent a letter to ANFA instructing that elections should not be held without approval and ordered a postponement. ANFA responded by stating it was holding elections under FIFA’s directives and its own constitution and refused to halt the process. Currently, ANFA has suspended the Department of Sports, but the controversy continues.