Nepalese football remains in a state of disarray due to the mismanagement and political interference of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). What should be an active and vibrant football scene is instead bogged down by administrative conflicts, leaving the sport largely absent from the field.
One of the most recurring issues is the A-Division League, which ANFA has failed to organize for over three years. ANFA released its annual calendar twice with league plans: once in mid-June 2025 (Ashad 2082 BS), and a second time with a six-month structure for the A-Division. Despite these announcements, no matches have taken place. At a press conference on Tuesday, ANFA cited delays in the B-Division League as a reason for postponing the A-Division. ANFA Secretary Kiran Rai stated, “We have not said that we won’t hold the A-Division League. However, complications arose in the B-Division, which delayed the league schedule.”
A-Division League: A Longstanding Delay
It has been over two and a half years since the last A-Division League. ANFA and the A-Division clubs have been unable to reach consensus on organizing the competition. ANFA proposed the league on a home-and-away basis, but clubs requested ANFA’s support for stadium access and other infrastructure. Clubs argued they could not host matches under the proposed format.
ANFA scheduled a meeting on October 12, 2025 (26 Ashoj 2082 BS) to discuss league organization, but it was postponed. Clubs had previously submitted detailed concerns and recommendations regarding ANFA’s management on October 11, 2025 (25 Ashoj 2082 BS), prompting ANFA to review their suggestions.
Currently, the A-Division League has become a major issue in Nepalese football. Some ANFA executive committee members criticized the current committee for failing to act, calling for early elections. ANFA Vice President Bir Bahadur Khadka voiced these concerns at a recent press conference.
Top-Tier League Alternative
Due to logistical issues with home-and-away matches, ANFA has proposed a “Top-Tier League” instead. Secretary Kiran Rai stated that the A-Division League may follow this structure. He noted that clubs have requested 10 months to one year to prepare, making the home-and-away format impractical for now.
Fans and stakeholders have criticized ANFA for letting the league stagnate. On Sunday, a group of young supporters protested peacefully outside the ANFA office, questioning its management and procedures, but their concerns were largely ignored.
Impact on National Team Selection
The absence of the A-Division League for years has affected national team selection and player development. ANFA and clubs are currently in a blame game over the league’s delay. Secretary Rai emphasized, “The league will happen. We are currently determining the modality. A Top-Tier League will include both the national and A-Division leagues, with final decisions expected after the Dashain festival.”
A-Division clubs have demanded clarity on the league format, but ANFA remains undecided. Rai added, “We will finalize the league format after discussions with the clubs.”
Press Conference Highlights
At Tuesday’s ANFA press briefing, Indraman Tuladhar, president of Sankata Club, reiterated that league modalities would only be confirmed after dialogue between clubs and ANFA. Regardless of whether it is the A-Division or National League, the champion is expected to represent Nepal in AFC club competitions.
However, Nepalese clubs currently lack a proper home ground meeting AFC standards. Tuladhar noted, “Even if clubs qualify for AFC competitions, there is no certified venue. We have discussed ground upgrades with Raghupati Stadium authorities to meet standards.”
No Nepalese club currently holds an AFC license, which, combined with league delays, prevents participation in regional club competitions.
Coaches and Players Frustrated
ANFA’s internal conflicts have directly impacted national team performance. Over 100 players have sought contracts abroad due to the absence of the league. The Nepal Football Players’ Association has also issued statements urging ANFA to organize the league promptly.
Nepal recently played a two-match series against Bangladesh. Despite a 0-0 draw in the first game, national team coach Matt Ras praised the players, highlighting the lack of domestic league preparation. Forwards like Anjan Bista expressed frustration on social media, stating that they are forced to play abroad due to the absence of a domestic league.
Nepal also participated in the AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifiers but lost all four matches, eliminating the team from the tournament.
Players Urge League Organization
National team defender Ananta Tamang emphasized the need for a domestic league, stating that it is crucial for identifying and developing players. On Facebook, he wrote, “After the home match against Vietnam, the discussion about no domestic league added to my frustration. I never imagined facing this situation when I joined ANFA Academy.”
He added, “As long as players cannot regularly participate in domestic competitions, expecting results at the international level is unrealistic. Clubs should start preparing their teams for the league while ANFA organizes it.”
National team captain Kiran Chemjong has repeatedly stressed the urgency of holding the A-Division League, calling it a critical pathway for national team selection.
Related posts:
As the issue of aviation safety remains unresolved, the European Union continues to prohibit Nepali airlines
Police begin a new investigation into the rape and murder case of Nirmala Panta
The accountant’s records at Gorkha Media are in conflict with Lamichhane’s statement
The Karnali and Lumbini governments will work together to investigate the viability of a tunnel on the Ratna Highway
Due to PRIA’s lack of international flights, businessmen are afraid to make risky investments
Opp parties start talking about the agenda for constitutional amendments
Rabi Lamichhane is released by the court on Rs 6 million bail in the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case
BFIs are increasingly turning to the legal system for assistance in loan recovery
In eight months, more over 800 people were arrested for severe offenses in kathmandu
There is a move to add Halesi to the list of World Heritage Sites
Visit Pokhara 2025: Pokhara has set a high target to welcome two million visitors
DoED modifies rules to support solar energy initiatives