ANFA postpone British Gorkha Cup due to strike

KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) today postponed the British Gorkha Cup 2009 for December 23 to January 13 .

The tournament, originally scheduled for December 19 to January 13, was postponed because of the strike called by the Unified Maoists. “Considering the three-day protest, we decided to postpone the tournament,” said the ANFA CEO Indra Man Tuladhar at a press meet at the Dasharath Stadium.

Tuladhar also informed, the participating clubs demanded a couple of days more for preparation. The highest cash bounty league-cum-knockout tournament will see 11 ‘A’ division clubs, three regional teams, ANFA U-16 team and PLA Sports Club. The Tribhuvan Army Club pulled out of the event after the PLA’s inclusion.

The Group A, which is also considered to be the group of death, comprises of Eastern XI, Nepal Police Club, Jawalakhel Youth Club and NIBL Friends Club. In Group B, Nabil Three Star Club are pitted against Boys Union Club, Annapurna RCT, Mid and Far West XI while Manang Marsyandi Club have Machindra FC, PLA Sports Club and ANFA U-16 in Group C. The Group D includes Sankata Kathmandu Mall Club, Western XI, Nepal APF Club and New Road Team (NRT). Two teams from each group will make it to the last eight after the round-robin league.

Out of the estimated budget of four million rupees, the organisers will give away one million rupees to the winners while the runners up will receive Rs 500,000. The losing semi-finalists will take home Rs 100,000 each. The teams will also get 80 per cent share from sale of tickets in the league stage and the quarter-finalists will be given 60 per cent share. The main sponsors, British Gorkha Group, have provided two million rupees for the tournament.

The best striker, midfielder, defender and goalkeeper will be awarded with Rs 50,000 each, while the best player of the tournament will earn a motorcycle. The most valuable player from the knock out stage will also be awarded, the organisers said. The participating teams will receive Rs 50,000 each as preparation amount.