KATHMANDU, MARCH 10
The lockout at the central office of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) in Satdobato was lifted on Tuesday following discussions between ANFA officials and the Nepal Football Players Association.
According to ANFA, the lockout was opened after a meeting held at the ANFA Complex in the presence of ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai and representatives of the players' association.
During the discussion, both sides reached an agreement to start the Shahid Smarak A Division League on April 13.
ANFA also committed to depositing the required amount into the Players' Welfare Fund, while it was agreed that outstanding prize money decided by the previous executive committee would be paid in instalments starting this month.
The meeting was attended by ANFA General Secretary Rai, central member Purushottam Thapa, Chief Executive Officer Indraman Tuladhar, Treasurer Rabindra Joshi, spokesperson Suresh Shah, and representatives of the Nepal Football Players Association.
Later, a press conference was held at the ANFA Complex to brief the media about the agreement. Speaking at the event were ANFA spokesperson Shah, competition director Sanjeev Mishra, players' association president Bikram Lama, and vice-president Bikesh Kuthu.
The Nepal Football Players Association had locked ANFA's central office on March 8, demanding confirmation of the A Division League schedule, the establishment of a players' welfare fund and the payment of outstanding prize money and allowances.
Earlier, ANFA had condemned the lockout as "undisciplined and anarchic", warning that it could disrupt domestic competitions and preparations for several international fixtures.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Council (NSC) has directed ANFA to immediately suspend all activities related to its upcoming ordinary congress and elections.
In a letter sent to the football governing body, the council said it had taken serious note of ANFA's decision to publish the schedule for the general assembly and elections without coordinating with the council.