Protest by Nepali Footballers Over League Suspension
Kathmandu, Nov. 6 — A group of Nepali football players took to the streets in a show of protest outside the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Complex in Satdobato on Thursday. The demonstration was aimed at demanding the immediate restart of the Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League, which has been suspended for over two and a half years.
The players gathered at 11 am, but they were prevented from entering the premises. The Nepal Football Players Association had requested permission to express their demands inside the complex, but this request was denied by ANFA. During the incident, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah attempted to mediate the situation, while the ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai were out of Kathmandu.
After waiting for more than an hour, the players decided to stage their protest outside the main gate, chanting slogans and expressing their frustration. The protest was led by the Players Association President, Bikram Lama, who criticized ANFA’s approach and vowed that the demonstrations would continue until their demands were met.
“We want football activities to resume and the disorder in Nepali football to end,” Lama stated. “If ANFA fails to come up with a plan for the A Division within a week, we will intensify our protest.”
Several national team members, including Rohit Chand and Anjan Bista, as well as former captain Biraj Maharjan, also joined the protest. These players expressed their dissatisfaction with the prolonged suspension of the league, which has left many footballers without employment.
ANFA has officially announced that it will not hold the A Division League this year. Instead, the association plans to organize a national league. However, this decision has not been well received by the players, who believe that the current state of affairs is detrimental to the development of football in Nepal.
Key Points from the Protest
- The protest was organized by the Nepal Football Players Association, who are demanding the resumption of the A Division League.
- ANFA denied the players’ request to enter the premises, leading to the demonstration outside the main gate.
- Players such as Rohit Chand, Anjan Bista, and Biraj Maharjan participated in the protest, highlighting the widespread concern among the football community.
- The A Division League has been suspended for over two and a half years, resulting in unemployment for many players.
- ANFA’s decision to replace the A Division with a national league has not been accepted by the players, who feel that this move does not address the underlying issues.
The ongoing dispute between ANFA and the football players highlights the need for a comprehensive solution to restore stability and promote the growth of football in Nepal. As the situation continues to unfold, the players remain determined to push for their demands and ensure that the sport is given the attention it deserves.