Demand for Formation of Interim Committee to Resolve ANFA Issues
Victor Rana, President of Footballers Mission Together (FMT), has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging the formation of an interim committee to resolve the ongoing issues within the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Footballers Mission Together has requested FIFA to establish this committee to address ANFA’s problems. Rana stated that ANFA’s leadership term has ended, and due to weak performance, new elections are necessary at both district and central levels. With the risk rising that Nepal could be barred from participating in the SAFF Championship due to FIFA’s suspension of ANFA, the organization has also proposed mediation to resolve the disputes.
Kathmandu, 20 Shrawan — Footballers Mission Together (FMT) has called for the establishment of an interim committee to solve the problems plaguing the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Currently, ANFA is suspended by FIFA, and the term of the current ANFA executive committee expired in the first week of Ashad. FMT expressed serious concern over the crisis facing Nepali football and the adverse impact of FIFA’s suspension. According to FMT CEO Madhusudan Upadhyay, a letter outlining their deep concerns about ANFA’s suspension has been sent to the global football governing body.
Founded in 2018, FMT is an organization comprising former international players, referees, coaches, and officials from Nepal. In the letter, FMT President Victor Rana stated, “We are deeply concerned about ANFA’s suspension. This ban and its long-term consequences have shocked the entire nation and equally affected players, coaches, referees, and officials alike. The suspension has not only hindered the development of football in Nepal, but with the perceived support of ineffective leadership, it has also tarnished FIFA’s image.”
The letter further notes, “The current ANFA team’s term has ended. Their performance has been extremely weak, and they have failed to take meaningful steps to improve football in Nepal. They appear incapable of advancing the organization, and allowing their leadership to continue risks deepening the crisis.” It emphasizes the need for new elections from district to national level to resolve these issues and advocates for forming an interim committee for this purpose. Footballers Mission Together is ready to mediate.
“The only viable solution to this deadlock is to conduct elections first at the district level and then at the national level to gain a new mandate. Democratic processes will restore trust, accountability, and credibility in Nepali football administration. Therefore, we seek your support to form an interim committee with the responsibility to oversee these elections and end the stalemate. Footballers Mission Together is willing to mediate among the conflicting parties and, if requested, lead a fair and transparent electoral process.”
FIFA suspended ANFA on June 25, citing third-party interference as the controversy escalated. Due to the suspension, Nepal was not included in the draw for the upcoming SAFF Championship scheduled in Bangladesh in November. If the suspension is not lifted by September 1, Nepal will be excluded from South Asia’s premier football tournament.