ANFA Suspension: Who Is Responsible and How Can It Be Lifted?
Image source, NSC
Nepali football currently faces the toughest crisis in its history.
International doors have closed since FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Financial aid from FIFA has also been halted. Players are left disheartened.
Meanwhile, as sports activities have decreased, player migration abroad is rising, and those seeking careers domestically face increasing uncertainty.
Two youth-focused projects have been halted, and players are deprived of participating in club championship matches. This situation will continue as long as the suspension remains.
As questions arise about who is responsible for this crisis, stakeholders emphasize the importance of moving past the past quickly and finding solutions to lift the suspension.
Three parties are seen as responsible for the suspension of ANFA and Nepali football:
first, the ANFA officials; second, anti-ANFA factions; and third, the National Sports Council (NSC), which is part of the Nepal government.
Importantly, the same bodies responsible for the suspension are also the ones tasked with finding a resolution.
But first, let’s discuss who the culprits are.
Questions Raised Over ANFA Leadership
Many experts believe that all ANFA officials share responsibility for the suspension.
However, primary blame is often placed on President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai.
Many ANFA officials have raised concerns over the ‘autocratic’ behavior of Nembang and Rai and have even tabled motions of no confidence.
There are those who believe President Nembang has not made efforts to balance political forces within ANFA.
After sidelining key allies who helped him secure the presidency four years ago, the internal power balance has deteriorated.
As a result, managing ANFA has become more challenging for Nembang.
Another group considered at fault are those ANFA officials who have divided into factions to pursue their personal interests. The third group comprises district and club officials who, despite questions being raised about ANFA, have remained silent even at general assemblies, indirectly supporting the leadership’s freedom.
Opposition Factions
From another perspective, all opposition factions obstructing ANFA’s work are deemed responsible for the suspension.
Former President Karma Chiring Sherpa and other defeated candidates in ANFA elections have continuously hampered ANFA’s operations.
Even elected officials have reportedly failed to support the leadership, worsening the situation.
Experts point to irresponsible behavior by all these groups as the root cause of the problems.
National Sports Council (NSC)
Despite the NSC instructing ANFA to conduct elections under the Sports Development Act 2077, ANFA has not made efforts to comply.
The NSC has largely ignored FIFA’s warnings about possible suspension and has instead exerted its authority.
It has also imposed travel bans on central ANFA officials and placed them on a blacklist.
Early Election and Tiered Election Dispute
Image source, NSC
The latest issue for ANFA is the announcement of an ‘early election’ and the rejection of tiered elections, which was highlighted by the DP chief.
With the support of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), ANFA moved forward with the early election.
However, the NSC directed them to conduct tiered elections starting from the district level in accordance with national laws.
ANFA argued that their constitution does not mention tiered elections and proceeded with the elections under existing conditions.
Ignoring government direction, they feared suspension by FIFA and used threats to prevent intervention.
Attempting to force early elections without holding tiered elections proved to be ANFA’s critical mistake.
Even after the suspension, ANFA has not accepted the process of tiered elections.
Stalemate Issues
The NSC’s position is clear: conduct elections within the framework of the law and in tiered structure.
ANFA claims its constitution does not envision tiered elections and that elections must be approved by FIFA.
FIFA states there must be no third-party interference in ANFA, and as such interference occurred, leading to suspension.
Experts assert that the combined stances of all parties during Pankaj Nembang’s four-year leadership led to the suspension crisis in Nepali football.
What Is the Way Forward?
If the NSC assures FIFA in writing that there will be no third-party interference, ANFA’s suspension can be lifted promptly.
Following that, ANFA can resolve the issue by accepting the NSC’s conditions, endorsing the tiered election process, and then conducting elections accordingly.
If the NSC negotiates with FIFA and commits to solving all problems, a resolution could be reached.
Since ANFA’s term expired on Ashad 6th of the Nepali calendar, FIFA could establish a ‘Normalization Committee’ involving all stakeholders to move forward, ensuring a permanent fix.
This committee could revise ANFA’s constitution and the Sports Development Act 2077, and prepare the environment for new elections within the stipulated timeline—paving the way for a stable solution.
If this process is completed swiftly, Nepali football players can soon return to the field.