Nepal National League Suspended: ANFA’s Self-Goal
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has scored a devastating self-goal. The National League, touted as the savior of Nepali football’s pyramid structure, has been suspended indefinitely since March 19, leaving the title race frozen and clubs counting losses. With only five matches remaining for most teams, the leagueโwhich began on January 14, 2025โhas become a symbol of administrative failure.
- Current Standings: APF Club, Church Boys United, Machhindra FC, Laligurans AFC, and Tribhuvan Army Club were in a tight title race.
- Matches Played: Church Boys had played 11 matches; the league was halted with five games left for each team.
- Reason for Suspension: ANFA cited a Department of Immigration directive barring foreign nationals on tourist visas from playing in Nepal.
- Financial Impact: Clubs like Church Boys have invested over Rs 10 million, with salaries and expenses unpaid.
The Title Race That Never Was
When the National League kicked off, it brought together 17 teams from the top tiers, including ‘A’ Division champions Church Boys United and runners-up Machhindra FC. The competition was fierce, with departmental teams APF and Tribhuvan Army also in contention. But just as the excitement peaked, ANFA pulled the plug. Tankalal Rai (Reuben), president of Church Boys United, expressed frustration: โWe were in the title race. The league was stopped midway with only five matches remaining. We are in continuous contact with ANFA, but there is no definitive answer as to when the league will resume.โ
Key Player Stats
| Player | Club | Goals (National League) | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anjan Bista | Church Boys | 7 | 3 |
| Nawayug Shrestha | Machhindra | 5 | 4 |
| Bharat Khawas | APF | 6 | 2 |
Clubs Left in Limbo
The suspension has hit clubs hard. Church Boys, who also fielded a women’s team, played only one match before the shutdown. Some players have contracts with Bhutanese clubs, while others are out of contact. Anil Shrestha, president of Machhindra, lamented: โThere is a shortage of players. When playing ‘A’ Division all at once, it is difficult to separate which player is good and which is bad. Instead, we told the Minister to hold the National League first and then the ‘A’ Division. Now, I wonder why I ever said that.โ
The financial burden is immense. Clubs have invested heavily in salaries, hotels, and training, with no revenue from matches. The uncertainty has also affected player morale, with many considering moves abroad.
ANFA’s Priorities Questioned
Critics argue that ANFA is more focused on the Nepal Super League (NSL), a franchise-based tournament, than on the traditional pyramid. The NSL has seen fluctuating participationโseven teams in its first edition, nine in the second, and back to seven in the third. In contrast, the ‘A’ Division, which has relegation and promotion, is the backbone of Nepali football. โThe ‘A’ Division clubs were running the football pyramid. There was relegation and promotion in it. But there is no such arrangement in the NSL. That model cannot address the foundational structure,โ said a club official.
Currently, 56 clubs exist in the ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ leagues, but many promoted teams have not played a single match. Planning Boys United and Shree Bhagwati Youth Club, promoted from ‘B’ Division, are still waiting. Similarly, Bagmati Youth Club and RC32, promoted in June 2024, have not played in nearly two years.
What’s Next for Nepali Football?
The immediate future is bleak. ANFA has not announced a resumption date, and the focus on NSL suggests the National League may be abandoned. This would be a massive blow to clubs that have invested years in building teams. The pyramid structure, which took decades to establish, is crumbling. If the league is canceled, the title will remain undecided, and clubs may face legal action from players and sponsors.
Where to Watch
For updates on Nepali football, fans can follow ANFA’s official channels. Matches, when they resume, are typically broadcast on Kantipur TV and streamed on Hamro Live. International viewers can check ESPN+ for select coverage. For more on Nepali football, read our coverage of Nepal’s SAFF Women’s Championship win and Nayak Paudel’s impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ANFA suspend the National League?
ANFA suspended the league on March 19, 2025, following a Department of Immigration directive that barred foreign nationals on tourist visas from participating in football matches in Nepal. This affected several clubs that had foreign players.
What are the chances of the National League resuming?
As of now, ANFA has not provided a timeline. The focus on the Nepal Super League suggests the National League may be abandoned, but clubs are pushing for a resumption.
How has the suspension affected clubs financially?
Clubs like Church Boys have invested over Rs 10 million, with salaries and operational costs unpaid. The lack of matches means no revenue, putting clubs in severe financial distress.
What is the difference between the National League and the NSL?
The National League is a traditional pyramid league with promotion and relegation, involving 17 teams from various divisions. The NSL is a franchise-based tournament with no promotion/relegation, and its participation has fluctuated.
