Nepali Football Faces Longstanding Issues; Suspension to Deepen Uncertainty, Experts Warn

March 24, Kathmandu – After a prolonged conflict, the NSC has officially suspended ANFA. The dispute arose when ANFA attempted to conduct pre-approval elections without securing the NSC’s consent. Ultimately, during a meeting on Wednesday, the NSC Executive Committee decided to suspend ANFA for three months.

According to Article 29, Subsection 2 of the Sports Development Regulations, the NSC took this action. That subsection states that if any association disregards the council’s directives, it can be suspended for up to three months. However, if ANFA complies with the nine-point directive and reports accordingly, the suspension can be lifted.

Under Subsection 3, ANFA may apply to the NSC for the suspension’s removal by following the given instructions. The NSC holds the authority to assess such requests and rescind the suspension if deemed appropriate. If the suspension is not lifted, per Subsection 4, the NSC may dissolve the current executive committee and form an interim committee to select a new one within three months.

Despite the suspension, ANFA leadership insists on proceeding with elections on Chaitra 13, a stance that could severely intensify tensions between ANFA and NSC. In such circumstances, there is a heightened risk that FIFA, the international football governing body, may impose restrictions on Nepal, pushing Nepali football into a critical crisis.

Former Youth and Sports Minister Purushottam Paudel expressed concerns that NSC’s suspension will further complicate the challenges facing Nepali football. “Nepali football has been troubled for some time. Even the distribution of titles has been paused. On top of that, the suspension will add more difficulties,” he stated.

Paudel criticized the dominance of personal interests over sports development, saying, “Self-interests are prevailing more than actual sports development. Therefore, sports should not be run based on selfish agendas. Sports is a sacred institution and must be advanced positively. In Nepal, political influences shape sports administration, which is inappropriate.”

Former NSC Member Secretary Ramesh Kumar Silwal also noted that the suspension has impacted everyone involved, from players to spectators. “The suspension is affecting players, clubs, coaches, and audiences alike,” he said. “While NSC has the authority to impose suspension, questions remain about who will manage the operations afterward.”

Silwal further highlighted potential repercussions with international bodies. “If disputes continue between NSC and the international football organizations FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Nepal risks being banned from international football,” he warned. “The NSC may form a new committee, but it is critical to see whether FIFA and AFC recognize it. Lack of recognition would exacerbate the conflict.”

“Increased conflicts put Nepali football at risk of facing sanctions from international football,” Silwal added.