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Players and legends urge action as Nepal risks first-ever SAFF Championship absence

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Nepal faces its first-ever potential absence from the SAFF Championship due to a FIFA suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
  • Participation hinges on FIFA lifting the suspension by September 30, requiring the government to intervene in the ANFA election process.
  • Stakeholders are pressuring the Prime Minister to resolve the FIFA ban, which has already caused Nepal to miss five major football events this year.

Nepal's football future hangs precariously in the balance as the nation risks missing the SAFF Championship for the first time in its history. The country's participation in the 15th edition, hosted by Bangladesh in November, is contingent upon FIFA lifting its current suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by September 30.

Honourable Prime Minister, today, the future of thousands of Nepali football players stands in jeopardy. If a timely solution is not found, Nepal faces the grim reality of missing out on the upcoming SAFF Football Championship as well.

— Hari KhadkaANFA's technical director appealing to the Prime Minister on Facebook.

This potential absence marks another blow to Nepali football, which has already forfeited five major events this year due to the FIFA ban imposed on June 24. The suspension, citing continuous third-party interference, can only be resolved when the incumbent ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang's plan for an early election is allowed to proceed. However, the National Sports Council (NSC) insists that ANFA can only conduct elections after district associations secure fresh mandates, a stance FIFA has stated is not compliant with its statutes.

To safeguard years of hard work, dreams, and national pride of our athletes, I respectfully request you to consult with the concerned stakeholders, take the necessary initiatives, and foster an environment where Nepali players can step onto the pitch once again.

— Hari KhadkaFurther plea from ANFA's technical director regarding the FIFA suspension.

Amidst this crisis, players and legends are urging the government to act swiftly. Hari Khadka, ANFA's technical director and Nepal's all-time joint highest goal scorer, appealed directly to the Prime Minister on social media. He emphasized the jeopardy faced by thousands of players and the risk to national pride, requesting urgent initiatives to allow Nepali players back on the pitch. The South Asian Football Federation has shown flexibility, stating Nepal will be included if the suspension is lifted by the deadline, but the onus remains on resolving the internal governance dispute.

In the event that Nepal’s FIFA suspension is lifted by September 30, Nepal will be included in the group of the hosts Bangladesh.

— SAFFSouth Asian Football Federation's statement during the draw ceremony regarding Nepal's potential inclusion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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