Suspension on ANFA Lifted After Two Months: Will Nepalese Football Revive Now?
The decision by the National Sports Council (NSC) to lift the suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) came after ANFA insisted on lifting the ban before holding any meetings. This move has also averted the risk of Nepal facing sanctions from FIFA.
News Summary
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- The National Sports Council lifted the suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), which had been imposed on March 24 (Chaitra 11). The suspension was lifted on May 15 (Jestha 1).
- The decision came after discussions between the government, FIFA, and ANFA, preventing Nepal from facing international sanctions.
- ANFA has committed to discussing and resuming the competitions that had been halted due to the suspension.
May 15, Kathmandu – The National Sports Council (NSC) officially lifted the suspension imposed on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) last Friday. The ban was originally placed on March 24 (Chaitra 11) due to the failure to complete the ‘early election’ process.
Following discussions involving Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel, NSC Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta, and ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, NSC agreed to revoke the suspension. Member Secretary Mehta stated the government’s decision to lift the suspension was made in the best interests of Nepalese football.
The NSC had conducted virtual talks with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and ANFA regarding the suspension. Since no definitive resolution was reached, the NSC proposed a joint physical meeting with ANFA to address the matter.
However, ANFA insisted on lifting the suspension before any meeting could be held, which led to NSC’s decision to revoke the ban. This decision has also averted the threat of sanctions from FIFA, which had previously warned that failure to lift the suspension would lead to penalties.
“Without lifting the suspension, dialogue with FIFA and AFC was not possible. There is a prohibition on talks during the suspension,” explained Member Secretary Mehta. “Now, with the SAFF Championship upcoming, all these factors influenced the government’s decision to lift the ban.”
The NSC had repeatedly instructed ANFA to postpone the early election and conduct tiered elections as per directives. Defying this, the council had suspended ANFA for three months on March 24, just two days before the scheduled election.
ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah responded by stating they would proceed based on agreements reached through discussions with the government and FIFA. “After our virtual meeting, FIFA expressed concerns regarding Nepal’s football situation. Taking into account the discussions and FIFA’s suggestions, the government, FIFA, and ANFA will collectively determine how to move forward.”
Shah also highlighted the challenges arising from differences between state regulations and FIFA rules, saying, “We are obliged to follow national laws domestically, while adhering to FIFA regulations internationally. There are some discrepancies between the two which we aim to reconcile through discussions so that all activities, including elections, can progress smoothly.”
During the nearly two-month suspension, Nepalese football was nearly halted. Due to ANFA’s suspension and ongoing disputes, female footballers missed the FIFA series held in Thailand. The Nepali team was also unable to participate in the friendly match against Hong Kong on home soil. Both men’s and women’s leagues were suspended, leaving the domestic football scenario in limbo.
Shah expressed ANFA’s commitment to resuming suspended competitions and upcoming activities after thorough discussions. “The initial focus will be on the SAFF Championship. We will work on strategies to help the Nepali team succeed,” he noted. “There are pending competitions which we will review and decide on moving forward.”
The NSC had given numerous directives to ANFA to delay the early elections and proceed with tiered polls, but noncompliance led to the suspension imposed two days before the election date.
“Football development and sustainability should be prioritized over issues of power. Through this approach, managerial improvements and effective work are possible,” said Vikram Lama, President of the Nepal Football Players Association.
Subsequently, the ANFA leadership team had traveled to Jhapa intending to hold elections but postponed them at the last minute. According to sources, the suspension revocation came after an oral agreement to conduct unconditional tiered elections.
“Focus on Football Development, Not Power Politics”
Vikram Lama urged the new ANFA leadership to work patiently and prioritize football’s interests. “There are competitions on hold. We need to plan how to proceed, devise strategic plans, and assess the state of Nepali football,” he said.
Lama stressed focusing on football development rather than power politics. “If we prioritize sustainable growth in football, rather than political dominance, we can improve management and achieve positive results.”