In response to the current crisis, the Nepal Football Players Association has released a collective video featuring messages from national team players, calling for urgent measures to save Nepali football. Both the men’s and women’s national teams have made a joint appeal to resolve the crisis triggered by the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by FIFA, which has left the future of players, coaches, and referees uncertain.
Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel has informed that continuous communication with FIFA is underway to lift the suspension and efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing. On August 4, in Kathmandu, players from Nepal’s national men’s and women’s football teams made a collective appeal to save Nepali football. The suspension of ANFA by FIFA has halted all football activities, creating an uncertain future for athletes, coaches, and referees.
The Nepal Football Players Association released a video featuring messages from the majority of the national team members, voicing demands to safeguard Nepali football. They have urged FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the National Sports Council (Rakhap), and the Government of Nepal to take proactive steps. The video includes messages from male players such as Rohit Chand and women players like Sabitra Bhandari and Anjila Tumbapo.
However, the captain of the men’s national team, Kiran Chemjong, stated he was not aware of this video release. Instead, he shared a separate video on his Facebook page that includes messages from Rohit Chand and women’s team member Preeti Rai. Sabitra, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Qatar, expressed in the video that the absence of a top-division league has significantly impacted players. At the end of the video, Sanish Shrestha emphasized their need for opportunities to play football and the chance to nurture their dreams.
The players have expressed grave concerns over the potential termination of careers for athletes, coaches, and referees associated with football. They have requested all stakeholders, from FIFA to Nepal’s domestic bodies, to find a swift resolution. FIFA suspended ANFA on January 25 due to third-party interference, and the suspension remains in effect until further notice. The ongoing suspension has cast doubt on Nepal’s participation in the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, scheduled to begin in Bangladesh on November 4. The tournament draw has been completed, but Nepal is currently not included.
If FIFA lifts the suspension by September 1, Nepal would be able to compete in Group A of the SAFF Championship. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel stated during a media interaction on Tuesday that they remain in regular contact with FIFA and are actively seeking a resolution. Additionally, Footballers Man Together has advocated for the formation of an interim committee to resolve the football dispute and has written to FIFA’s president expressing their willingness to mediate.
