Footballers protest at ANFA over irregular top-tier league

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 7: Nepali professional footballers staged a sit-in protest on Thursday at the headquarters of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), demanding the resumption of the Martyr's Memorial A Division League, which has not been held for the past three years.

Members of the national football team led the demonstration, accusing ANFA of misleading them after the association once again failed to organise the league this year, despite earlier promises. As a symbolic gesture, players hung their medals—earned over years of competition—on the gate of ANFA.

The players were agitated following an agreement between ANFA and top-tier clubs to hold the A Division League in December next year, using a home-and-away format. Instead of the domestic league, both ANFA and the clubs agreed to host the National League this December.

However, players insist that the A Division League should be held first. They argue that the current schedule harms their careers and affects the growth of Nepali football.

The Football Players' Association, led by President Bikram Lama, warned of stronger protests if ANFA fails to respond to their demands within a week. Lama said players have repeatedly raised the issue over the past two years through formal letters and discussions, but ANFA has ignored them. He added that the lack of regular league matches has left many players jobless and forced some to seek opportunities abroad.

Security was tightened at ANFA’s Satdobato headquarters following the protest. Police stopped players from entering the premises when they tried to meet ANFA officials.

ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai were out of Kathmandu during the protest. In their absence, spokesperson Suresh Shah tried to calm the demonstrators.

The protest received support from former players, coaches, and youth activists.

The last A Division League was held in 2022 (2079 BS). Due to internal political disputes within ANFA, the A, B, and C Division Leagues have not been held regularly, raising serious concerns about the future of Nepali football.