The year 2082 BS will be remembered as one of the most turbulent and controversial chapters in Nepali football history. What started with hope, reforms, and promises quickly spiraled into administrative chaos, legal battles, protests, and a looming threat of international suspension.
A Year That Began with Questions
As 2082 kicked off, Nepali football was already under pressure. The A Division League, the country’s top-tier competition, had not been held for over 700 days since its last edition in Jestha 2080.
Players were leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad, and the national team setup looked increasingly unstable.
Amid this uncertainty, former ANFA president Ganesh Thapa returned to the spotlight after being freed from a 10-year ban imposed by FIFA and AFC. His attempted involvement in the ANFA Congress in Dhulikhel added fuel to an already burning situation, as he was restricted from participating despite being nominated as a representative.
Promises Made, Promises Broken
The ANFA General Congress in Baisakh 2082 made key commitments:
- Conduct the A Division League within the year
- Organize district-to-central elections between 2083 and 2087
- Form an election committee
However, as months passed, multiple deadlines for the league came and went—none fulfilled.
The Twist: Early Election Drama
In a surprising move, ANFA attempted to conduct early elections in Magh 2082 in Jhapa, despite the current tenure lasting until Asar 2083.
This decision triggered legal and administrative disputes:
- Complaints were filed at the High Court and the National Sports Council (NSC)
- The core argument: central elections cannot be conducted without district-level elections
A series of objections and letters were exchanged between ANFA and NSC, exposing deep institutional conflict.
FIFA Warning vs NSC Resistance
ANFA presented a letter from FIFA warning that failure to conduct elections on time could result in a possible suspension.
However, the National Sports Council refused to back down, insisting ANFA was violating national laws.
Eventually, the election process was halted.
ANFA Suspended for 3 Months
The situation reached its peak on Chaitra 11, when the NSC officially suspended ANFA for three months under:
- Sports Development Act 2077
- National Sports Development Regulations 2079
Key allegations included:
- Ignoring repeated directives from NSC
- Attempting elections without approval
- Failing to provide satisfactory clarifications
During this suspension, ANFA was barred from conducting any administrative or electoral activities.
Legal Controversies and Power Struggles
The crisis deepened further:
- Complaints were filed against advocate Ram Chandra Gautam for allegedly favoring a faction
- ANFA leadership, led by Pankaj Bikram Nembang, faced scrutiny
- Vice President Dawa Lama’s candidacy was annulled by the Patan High Court
- A tax evasion case was filed against the ANFA president
Matches Cancelled, Confusion Grows
A scheduled international friendly against Hong Kong was postponed.
ANFA blamed the NSC for not providing Dasharath Stadium, while NSC countered with proof that permission had already been granted—highlighting the communication breakdown.
ANFA even backed out from the FIFA Series 2026 kicking off from April 12 in Thailand where the women's team were scheduled to face DR Congo followed by either Thailand or New Caledonia.
Players and Clubs Take to the Streets
For the first time in recent history:
- Players protested outside ANFA demanding league fixtures
- A temporary agreement was reached for a Chaitra 30 league start
- A Division clubs staged protests demanding the transfer window
However, internal divisions soon weakened the movement, with some club representatives withdrawing protests and shifting focus toward elections.
Immigration and Legal Shock
Another major blow came when the Department of Immigration ordered:
- No participation of foreign players on visit visas without work permits
Seven A Division clubs came under investigation, forcing ANFA to halt the ongoing National League.
Simultaneously, the Patan High Court ordered:
- “Resolve the Three Star Club dispute before resuming the league”
Even the women’s league was stopped just two days after kickoff, citing lack of approval.
A Rare Positive: National League Revival
Amid chaos, ANFA did achieve one milestone:
- Revival of the National League format after the success of the Presidential League
This initiative allowed grassroots clubs to compete against top-tier teams—offering exposure and hope for the future.
But even this success was overshadowed by administrative instability.
The Bigger Threat: FIFA Ban Looms
The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns:
- Possible FIFA and AFC intervention
- Risk of international suspension
Who Suffers the Most?
At the heart of this crisis lies a simple question:
Who pays the price?
Not the officials.
Not the power players.
But:
- The players fighting for their careers
- The clubs struggling to survive
- And the fans watching Nepal football collapse
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Nepali Football
The events of 2082 have exposed deep-rooted issues within Nepali football governance.
Unless immediate reforms, transparency, and cooperation between ANFA and national authorities are ensured, the future of the sport in Nepal remains uncertain.
Nepal football stands at a crossroads—rebuild or collapse.