Guglielmo Arena leaves Nepal men's football team after ANFA suspension

Guglielmo Arena has stepped down as head coach of the Nepal men's national football team, mutually agreeing with the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to terminate his contract. The decision follows FIFA's suspension of ANFA, which has brought all football activities in Nepal to a standstill.

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After careful consideration, ANFA and I have mutually agreed to terminate my contract as head coach of the Nepal men’s national team.

In a statement on LinkedIn, Arena, a Swiss-Italian coach known as Guli, explained that the FIFA suspension created "a complete lack of visibility for the short and medium term." This uncertainty made it impossible to continue the long-term sporting project he had initiated with the national team. He expressed deep sadness over the current situation and the halt in football activities, extending his thoughts to the national teams, youth players, and everyone involved in Nepali football.

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I am deeply saddened by the current situation and by the fact that football activities have been brought to a standstill.

Arena regretted not being able to fully implement his vision and long-term project for Nepali football. He thanked ANFA, the players, and staff for their warm welcome and kindness during his tenure. "I truly hope that a constructive solution will soon be found so that Nepali football can move forward again and offer the stability its football family deserves," he stated. Arena concluded by saying the experience strengthened his passion for international football and that he anticipates his next coaching opportunity.

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I would like to sincerely thank ANFA, its players, staff and everyone who welcomed me with kindness and respect during my time in Nepal.

Arena was appointed Nepal's head coach earlier this year. His tenure, however, was cut short by the FIFA suspension. With his departure, the Nepal men's national team is once again without a coach, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Nepali football.

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I truly hope that a constructive solution will soon be found so that Nepali football can move forward again and offer the stability its football family deserves.