Kathmandu, November 29

The Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League will kick off on December 14 with the match between Machhindra Football Club and Brigade Boys Club here at the Dasharath Stadium.

A total of 14 ‘A’ division clubs will participate in the round-robin league which is regarded as the backbone of Nepali football. In the draw ceremony organised by the All Nepal Football Association in the presence of representatives from all the clubs today, Machhindra were drawn as the first team, while BBC were ranked 14th.

However, three clubs, Manang Marshyangdi Club, Chyasal Youth Club and New Road Team, boycotted the draw ceremony after ANFA failed to produce the league regulations. The ANFA had organised non-relegation league last year and the football governing body agreed with the participating clubs for one-team relegation provision this time around.

As per the first round schedule released by the ANFA following the draw, Sankata Club will face Chyasal and Tribhuvan Army Club take on Friends Club on December 15. Saraswoti Youth Club will be in action against NRT, while Nepal APF Club face MMC the following day, while Three Star Club and Jawalakhel Youth Club face each other in the Lalitpur derby along with the match between Nepal Police Club and Himalayan Sherpa Club on December 17.

Meanwhile, National Sports Council Member Secretary Ramesh Kumar Silwal inaugurated football park outside the ANFA complex.

According to ANFA President Karma Tsering Sherpa, the park was built under its Social Responsibility.