ANFA Issues Firm Response to RAKHEP’s Attempt to Postpone Election
News Summary
Editorial overview.
- The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has rejected the directive from the National Sports Council (RAKHEP) to postpone its election, issuing a firm reply to hold elections on Chaitra 13 (March 26).
- ANFA affirmed that it has secured necessary coordination and approval from RAKHEP and maintains full authority to conduct elections in accordance with its statutes.
- ANFA has also requested RAKHEP’s cooperation to facilitate a smooth election process on Chaitra 13, after consulting with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
March 23, Kathmandu – The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has firmly rejected the National Sports Council’s (RAKHEP) order to postpone the upcoming election, clearly stating its intention to hold the election on Chaitra 13 (March 26) through an official response.
After RAKHEP instructed the postponement citing lack of approval for the election, ANFA issued its official reply asserting a clear stance against the directive.
ANFA refuted allegations that it announced the election schedule without proper coordination with RAKHEP, declaring such accusations baseless.
The association explained that it provided full prior information to RAKHEP and has obtained the necessary approvals. Earlier, general assembly and election approvals had already been secured from RAKHEP, with suggestions duly noted.
ANFA underscored that as an autonomous body affiliated with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), it holds full rights to conduct elections as per its constitution. It also highlighted the risk of international sanctions if there is undue interference from third parties.
Maintaining a firm position to hold elections on the scheduled date, March 26, ANFA appealed for cooperation from RAKHEP to facilitate the process. The association further noted that the Patan High Court has not issued any order to halt ANFA’s election, negating any legal grounds to delay the polls.
ANFA also disclosed that it is consulting again with FIFA and AFC to resolve the ongoing controversy. The relevant international bodies have been informed about RAKHEP’s directive and ANFA expects to provide further updates once the directive letter is officially received by Monday.
Previously, last Thursday, RAKHEP had directed ANFA to postpone the election, citing lack of approval.
However, ANFA disregarded the directive and has formally called for its Ordinary Congress (general assembly).
RAKHEP has warned ANFA of suspension if the directive is ignored, but ANFA is proceeding with elections regardless. This situation threatens to worsen the state of Nepalese football.
If ANFA conducts the election and RAKHEP responds by suspending the current committee and forming an ad hoc committee, Nepalese football risks facing suspension from FIFA.