Following internal conflicts and a subsequent suspension by FIFA, Nepali football has come to a standstill. There are currently no football activities at the national level, and players have been unable to participate in international competitions. The combination of internal disagreements and FIFA’s ban has left Nepali football in a state of desolation. The absence of regular domestic leagues has compelled players to seek opportunities abroad, while fan interest continues to wane. To revive football development, it is imperative that all stakeholders set aside personal interests and unite under a long-term strategic plan.
On 13th Shrawan in Kathmandu, Laligurans Association Club, making its debut in the national league, was leading in the race for the championship. Remaining unbeaten in 13 matches, Laligurans had accumulated 27 points to top the standings. However, after the immigration department directed that foreign players on tourist visas should not be included in the league, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) suspended the league on 5th Chaitra, shattering Laligurans’ dream of becoming champions in their first participation. Ishwor Basnyal, General Secretary of Laligurans Club, stated, ‘The national league should resume soon. If it cannot be held, then since we are in first place, we should be declared champions.’
Similarly, RS Pokhara, brought to Kathmandu by ANFA with the aim to conduct a women’s league, had to return home after just a few days following exclusion of foreign players on tourist visas. The women’s league, which began amid this restriction, was suspended within two days. This sudden halt wiped out the long-term effort and investment made by RS Pokhara. Ramesh Karki, Chairman of RS Pokhara, expressed that the league’s suspension after only two days is a distressing issue not only for the club but for Nepali football as a whole. ‘We qualified last year. Considerable investment was made during the selection process. We signed players and bore accommodation costs in Kathmandu for over a month in preparation for the league. We have suffered a huge loss,’ he explained.
ANFA, which had temporarily organized matches after suspending both leagues on 5th Chaitra, was ultimately suspended by FIFA on 10th Asar. This ban has stunned enthusiastic Nepali supporters, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, the sport’s largest tournament. According to Education and Sports Minister Shasmit Pokharel, who also serves as a government spokesperson, Nepali football cannot afford to decline further from its current position. Speaking after the suspension, national women’s football team captain Anjela Tumbapo Tubba lamented, ‘Ten years of hard work were undone by crime and politics in just ten minutes.’
