Image Source, ANFA
Three months ago, on Poush 16 (early January 2024), when the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) announced plans to hold elections earlier than scheduled, a series of controversies began in Nepali football, which continues to this day.
Three groups have opposed ANFA’s decision to conduct this ‘early election.’
These include the National Sports Council (Rashtriya Khelkud Parishad or Rakhap), various clubs, and some officials within ANFA itself.
Statements from Various Stakeholders
Any national sports federation election requires approval from Rakhap. As ANFA attempted to hold elections without this consent, Rakhap has repeatedly directed the halt of the election process.
Division clubs and some ANFA officials argue that elections should follow the tradition of first conducting elections at district levels before holding central elections, and they oppose the immediate elections.
In protest, district and ANFA officials have resorted to legal action, approaching the courts.
ANFA maintains that it is conducting the elections according to FIFA regulations and its own constitution and is moving forward with the process.
Due to conflicts between those supporting and opposing the election process, ANFA’s election has been postponed three times so far. The new election date has been set for Chaitra 13 (March 26, 2024).
Some football analysts attribute the ongoing confusion to the leadership’s ambition of managing ANFA’s annual budget of approximately 1.5 billion Nepali rupees over the next four years.
Several believe that events such as the declaration of the Shahid Smarak ‘A’ Division League, the postponement of the National League, and ongoing club strikes and lockouts within ANFA are direct consequences of the early election controversy.
Developments Following the Election Announcement
Numerous legal cases have been filed in courts since the announcement of early elections.
Amit Khatri, a member of the Gorkha District Football Association, and ANFA Vice President Birat Jung Shahi have filed a case at the High Court opposing the early election; this case is currently under consideration.
Vice Presidents Birat Jung Shahi, members Rupesh Adhikari and Rabin Chand have filed cases claiming they were barred from contesting in the election, while another Vice President, Dipak Khatriwada, filed a separate case seeking to annul the candidacy of senior vice-presidential candidate Dawa Lama.
Rakhap has directed that amendments to ANFA’s constitution be made first in accordance with the National Sports Development Act 2077, and only after district and club-level elections should nationwide elections proceed.
Recently, Rakhap has repeatedly issued written directives prohibiting elections without its approval. Just last Thursday, it instructed ANFA to suspend the elections and provide written updates within three days.
ANFA Presses Ahead Amid Opposition
Disregarding Rakhap’s directives, ongoing court proceedings, and persistent club protests, ANFA continues to carry out the basic election procedures.
Candidates have been registered, representatives from A, B, and C category clubs selected, and preparations completed.
Just last Thursday, ANFA sent invitations to all eligible voting bodies to participate in the election scheduled on Chaitra 13.
ANFA contends that according to FIFA and its own governing rules, winning Rakhap’s approval is not mandatory to hold the election.
ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah stated, “We are conducting elections based on the constitution approved by Rakhap. The election held on Magh 28 (mid-January) also had Rakhap’s approval. The upcoming election is a continuation of that process. We have already informed FIFA about this.”
He added, “There is no clause in ANFA’s constitution that mandates district-level elections before central elections. Districts and clubs are independent bodies and conduct their elections in due time. Labeling this practice as new or old is incorrect.”
ANFA has also warned that if any third party intervenes in the election, it may face suspension.
Typically, elections of Nepal’s national sports federations are conducted after Rakhap’s approval, in the presence of international representatives, members of the Nepal Olympic Committee, and Rakhap officials.
Why Hold an ‘Early Election’?
Image Source, Getty Images
ANFA’s current working committee’s term is set to expire on Asar 4, 2083 (mid-July 2026), yet the election process began nearly five months ago.
Why did ANFA decide to hold elections ahead of schedule?
General Secretary Kiran Rai explains, “The current leadership has not been allowed to work effectively by the opposition, who obstruct even minor to major initiatives, including confidence motions and legal actions. Thus, we are calling an early election for a ‘fresh mandate.’ Those opposing will also contest, and whoever wins will have a full four years to lead without disruptions.”
However, opponents claim ANFA is pushing the election now because it is easier for incumbents to be re-elected and sway district clubs in their favor.
Birat Jung Shahi, also Vice President of ANFA and Chair of the Kathmandu District Football Association, states, “If elections were held after the end of Baishakh (mid-April), voters could be swayed by proposals to send teams to the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, which could increase votes. On the other hand, new district committees might be formed, and the existing leadership may lose their preferred candidates. Thus, ANFA’s current leadership prefers to hold elections now with the old district committees.”
Some believe the current committee attempted to hold the election on Magh 28 (January 2024) to avoid potential obstruction by the new government and to secure their position.
Will the Election Take Place on Chaitra 13?
In ANFA’s 21-member working committee election, Pankaj Bikram Nembang and Dirghabahadur KC are candidates for the president’s post. Voting will be conducted by 106 electors, including 49 from district committees, 42 from clubs, 7 from provinces, 4 from other committees, and 4 from district clubs that participate in the national league.
ANFA has already sent letters to all involved parties inviting them to the election scheduled in Jhapa on Chaitra 13 (March 26, 2024).
Despite Rakhap’s order to postpone the election and submit written information within three days, ANFA issued the election invitation on the same day, indicating no intention to back down.
A court hearing regarding the legal challenges against the election has been scheduled for Chaitra 11 (March 24), two days before the election.
The impact of Rakhap’s directives and the court’s decision on March 24 on the upcoming election remains to be seen.
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