Key Takeaways:
- Koshi football leaders call for accountability in ANFA
- FIFA suspension has heightened concerns over the sport's future
- Stakeholders say leadership change may be necessary
- Officials warn of impact on international participation and development programmes
Football stakeholders in Koshi Province have called for an alternative to the current leadership of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), saying disputes within the governing body and its suspension by FIFA have left the future of Nepali football uncertain.
Speaking at an interaction organised by the Koshi Province Football Association in Dharan, former FIFA referees, former national players and officials from district and provincial football associations urged ANFA's leadership to take responsibility and resolve the crisis. They warned that prioritising personal interests and positions over the sport could deepen the problems facing Nepali football.
Koshi Province Football Association President Kishor Rai said the ANFA central leadership had failed and that necessary decisions must be taken to steer Nepali football out of the crisis. Rai said all stakeholders, including provincial officials, should be prepared to take responsibility to help resolve the crisis. He urged ANFA's leadership to address governance concerns, restore trust and present a clear roadmap for Nepali football.
Former FIFA referee Kiran Giri and former national player Deepak Rai criticised the federation's current direction, arguing that the concerns of players, coaches, referees and football officials had not been adequately addressed. They said meaningful reforms and stronger institutional governance were needed to rebuild confidence in the sport's governing body.
Sunsari District Football Association President Nabin Rai warned that FIFA's suspension could set Nepali football back by years. Restrictions affecting international competition and financial assistance from foreign organisations could directly harm players and the broader development of the sport, he said.
"FIFA's suspension is not a minor issue. It could have serious consequences for the international future of Nepali football," Nabin Rai said, urging the relevant authorities to act without delay.
Dissatisfaction with ANFA's leadership has intensified amid a financial irregularities case in which a court has ordered arrest warrants against president Nembang and general secretary Kiran Rai. In the same case, ANFA treasurer Rabindra Joshi and accounts officer Sanjiv Pandey have been ordered released on bail. The allegations against those named in the case have not been established by a court.
Separately, FIFA suspended ANFA, citing alleged third-party interference by the National Sports Council in the federation's election process, according to the source report. The suspension has raised concerns about its potential effects on international participation, regular football activities and development programmes.
Participants at the Dharan interaction called for greater cooperation and dialogue among ANFA's leadership, players, coaches, referees, and district and provincial associations. They said the federation needed stronger institutional governance, an impartial resolution of disputes and leadership that prioritised the interests of the sport.
Their central message was that ANFA must accept responsibility, resolve its disputes and open the way for an alternative leadership if necessary. Participants said concrete action, rather than further statements, was needed to protect the future of Nepali football.