Why Is ANFA Entangled in Controversies and Legal Battles Following the Decision to Hold Early Elections?
Image source, ANFA
Three months ago, on Poush 16, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) announced it would hold elections earlier than scheduled, triggering a series of disputes within Nepali football that continue to this day.
The move by ANFA to conduct early elections has encountered opposition from three main groups.
These include the National Sports Council (Racchep), various football clubs, and certain ANFA officials.
What Are the Positions of Different Stakeholders?
According to Nepali law, the approval of the National Sports Council is mandatory before any national sports association can hold elections. Since ANFA proceeded to prepare for elections without securing this approval, Racchep has repeatedly instructed to halt the election process, deeming it illegal.
Division-level clubs and some ANFA officials argue that the tradition requires holding tiered elections starting from district levels before the central-level election, and the attempt to conduct elections prematurely goes against this practice.
This dissent has prompted districts and ANFA officials to approach the courts by filing lawsuits.
However, ANFA states it is proceeding with the elections in compliance with FIFA regulations and its own statutes, advancing the necessary procedures accordingly.
Regardless of the ongoing disputes over holding or stopping the election, ANFA’s election date has already been postponed three times, with a new date set for Chaitra 13.
Some football analysts suggest that the controversy is fueled by competition for leadership over ANFA, which has an annual budget of around 150 million Nepali Rupees, and the desire of candidates to retain power for the next four years.
The impact of the ‘early election’ is also linked to recent events within ANFA, ranging from the announcement of the Shahid Smarak ‘A’ Division League to its postponement, as well as club actions like relay hunger strikes and lockouts.
What Has Happened Since the Election Announcement?
Following the decision to hold early elections, various lawsuits have been registered in the courts.
Amit Khatri, a member of the Gorkha District Football Association, and ANFA Vice President Birat Jung Shahi have filed a case against the ‘early election’ in the High Court; the case is currently under consideration.
Vice Presidents Birat Jung Shahi, members Rupesh Adhikari and Rabin Chand have lodged cases claiming they were denied the opportunity to stand as candidates, while another Vice President, Deepak Khatri, has filed a separate case regarding the rejection of senior vice president candidate Dawa Lama’s nomination.
Racchep issued an 11-point directive based on the National Sports Development Act, 2077, stating that the ANFA statutes must be amended first and tiered elections at district and club levels must be completed before progressing to the national-level election.
They have repeatedly instructed in writing not to hold the elections without their permission. Just last Thursday, Racchep ordered a postponement of the election, requiring ANFA to report back within three days.
ANFA Continues to Move Forward
Ignoring Racchep’s directives, ongoing court proceedings, and clubs’ opposition, ANFA continues with its election-related activities.
Completion of candidate registrations and selection of representatives from A, B, and C category clubs are underway.
Just last Thursday, ANFA sent letters to all districts, associations, and clubs, inviting them to participate in the election scheduled for Chaitra 13.
ANFA clarified that the election will be conducted according to FIFA rules and its own statutes, and that it does not require Racchep’s approval.
ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah stated, “We are organizing the election according to the statutes approved by Racchep. The election scheduled for Magh 28 also had Racchep’s approval; the upcoming election is a continuation of that process. We have informed FIFA about the notification received.”
He added, “There is no provision in the ANFA statutes requiring a district-level election before the central election. Districts and clubs operate autonomously and conduct voting regularly. This is not a question of old or new votes.”
A warning has also been issued that any third-party interference in the election could lead to ANFA’s suspension.
Nepal’s national sports association elections are typically held after Racchep’s approval, with participation from international representatives, the Nepal Olympic Committee, and Racchep representatives.
Why Hold an ‘Early Election’?
Image source, Getty Images
Although ANFA’s current committee term is supposed to end on Asar 4, 2083, the election process was initiated almost five months earlier.
Why was the decision made to hold the election ahead of schedule?
General Secretary Kiran Rai explained, “The ANFA leadership was unable to function due to continuous obstruction by opposition, ranging from minor to major issues. There were motions of no confidence and legal challenges. Therefore, we are moving towards early elections to start a new term. Those opposing the move are also expected to contest; whoever wins will have the opportunity to work peacefully for the next four years.”
Opponents argue that ANFA has had enough time to continue its tenure and persuade clubs and districts, and that the attempt to hold elections prematurely is self-serving.
Vice President Birat Jung Shahi said, “If elections are held now, some individuals may travel to the FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico during the last week of Jestha to influence voters. However, if district elections were held, their preferred candidates might not win the central committee. That is why the election is being expedited.”
Some analysts have speculated that the election scheduled for Magh 28 was hastened due to concerns that the new government might create obstacles.
Will the Elections Be Held on Chaitra 13?
Pankaj Bikram Nembang and Dirghbahadur KC have filed their candidacies for ANFA’s president post. The electorate will consist of 46 district committees, 34 clubs, 4 other associations, and 4 provincial clubs participating in the national league — totaling 88 voters.
ANFA has already circulated letters informing all parties to participate in the election scheduled to be held in Jhapa on Chaitra 13.
On the same day Racchep ordered the election’s suspension and requested a written report within three days, ANFA issued notification for the election, indicating no sign of retreat from their side.
The next hearing for the lawsuits against the election is scheduled for Chaitra 11, and the impact of the rulings on the election remains to be seen.
