Nepal Football Association-National Sports Council Dispute Nears Resolution After Suspension

The dispute between the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the National Sports Council (NSC) that has been ongoing for a week is finally moving towards a resolution. Following the dispute initiated over the issue of early elections, the NSC suspended ANFA and clarified that the suspension would only be lifted after certain conditions are met.

NSC Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta stated that this decision was taken with the objective of reforming the sports sector. "We have complied with the National Sports Development Act 2077. The entire sector was deteriorating due to the irregularities, anomalies, and non-compliance with government directives seen in the sports sector," he said. "We have taken this as a step towards reform."

Mehta also appreciated ANFA for ultimately complying with the government's directive, albeit at the last minute. "Although it was at the last moment, ANFA has complied with the government's directive, for which I want to thank them," he said. "We never imagined the situation would come this far, but it reached this point due to some stubbornness and individualistic thinking."

The NSC stated that prior to the suspension, ANFA had refused to halt the early elections. However, after the suspension, ANFA reversed its decision and postponed the election process, Mehta informed. "We proceeded according to the process. After about 24 hours, a U-turn came from ANFA," he said. "The election process is stopped, but some issues still remain."

The NSC suspended ANFA with nine conditions. "We have clearly stated the reasons for the suspension and provided the conditions," Mehta said. "Only after those conditions are met will the process for lifting the suspension move forward." He also mentioned that if the conditions are met, discussions will be held immediately to find a solution.

The NSC maintains that preparations for new elections are necessary as the term of the current executive committee is also nearing its end. "The term of the current executive committee is ending in Ashar. Our insistence is that elections at the lower levels must be completed before going into the central elections," Mehta clarified.

When asked how ANFA would be managed after the suspension, Mehta stated that the organization has two options. "We have said, come back after fulfilling the conditions, and we will proceed according to the law," he said. "Otherwise, if all activities are halted for three months, another management structure must be put in place."

Mehta rejected ANFA's assertion that the NSC should take over its responsibilities following the suspension. "We have completed the necessary institutional work," he said. "Our priority is to ensure that there is no disruption to the football sector."

He clarified that arrangements would be made in a way that does not affect players and competitions. "We will not allow a situation where football is obstructed due to the National Sports Council," Mehta said. "We will find an alternative measure so that players, coaches, and concerned parties are not affected."

The NSC also stated that the ANFA executive committee would not be allowed to conduct any activities during the suspension period. "ANFA cannot carry out any activities during the suspension period," Mehta said. "Now, depending on the decision they make, we will discuss with the Ministry and proceed according to the law."

Regarding competitions, he mentioned that necessary coordination would be made. "The dates for the competitions have already been set. Some dates have been postponed," he said. "If necessary, we will coordinate with us and cooperate in conducting the competitions within the legal framework."

Mehta also made it clear that the NSC stands firm on its decision. "The legal provisions will be fully implemented," he said. "Until another decision is made, we will proceed based on these laws." According to him, decisions will be made keeping the welfare of the players central. "Our first priority is the welfare of the players," he said. "But we will not allow the sports sector to be affected due to a few individuals."

With this, although the long-running ANFA-NSC dispute is moving towards resolution, the direction of Nepali football appears to be determined by whether ANFA fulfills the conditions or opts for alternative management in the coming days.