A Year to Forget for Nepali Football as Crisis Deepens

The year 2082 (BS) has turned into one of the most disappointing periods in the history of Nepali football, marked by poor performances on the field and growing disputes off it. Whether inside the stadium or beyond it, there has been little positive news surrounding the sport.

As the year comes to an end, Nepali football appears to be heading towards a deeper crisis. The country’s football governing body, the All Nepal Football Association, has been suspended for three months by the National Sports Council. Following this decision, there is also an increasing risk that FIFA could impose a suspension, which would have serious consequences for Nepal’s participation in international football.

At present, nothing seems to be going right for Nepali football. On the field, both senior and youth national teams have struggled to perform. Although the women’s national team showed some promise, it failed to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, highlighting that significant improvements are still needed. The men’s national team also failed to deliver strong performances in international matches.

Domestic football was heavily affected by internal disputes within ANFA. The Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League, considered the backbone of Nepal’s football structure, could not be held for a third consecutive season. Although ANFA attempted to organize a national league, it failed to bring meaningful results, and attention remained focused more on off-field controversies than on actual football.

Internal conflicts within ANFA, disagreements with players’ associations and division clubs, protests, and the suspension by the National Sports Council were among the most prominent issues throughout the year. In addition, foreign coaches of both the men’s and women’s national teams did not stay long, with both head coaches resigning before completing their contracts.

Nepal also failed to host official international matches at home this year. Apart from a few friendly matches and SAFF competitions, other matches could not be held at the Dasharath Stadium.

Today, Nepali football is largely associated with disputes, poor performance, and uncertainty. With ANFA already suspended domestically, the possibility of a FIFA suspension remains a serious concern.

Poor Performance of the National Team

The national men’s team went winless throughout the year. Nepal failed to secure a single victory in 2082 (BS), continuing a poor run of form. In the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Nepal lost all its matches. The team also failed to win in friendly matches.

Since defeating Singapore 1–0 in March 2081 (BS), Nepal has gone nine matches without a win, eight of which were played this year. During this period, Nepal lost twice each to Vietnam and Laos, and also suffered defeat against Malaysia.

Notably, Nepal lost to Laos for the first time in its history and was defeated twice by the same opponent within a year. The team did manage draws against Bangladesh (twice) and Hong Kong in friendly matches.

In Group F of the Asian Cup qualifiers, Nepal lost all six matches. However, after Malaysia fielded ineligible players, the result was overturned, and Nepal was awarded three points.

A planned friendly match against Hong Kong at Dasharath Stadium was cancelled due to disputes between ANFA and the National Sports Council.

Wave of Coaching Resignations

This year also saw a wave of resignations from foreign coaches. Due to internal disputes and lack of success on the field, both men’s and women’s head coaches stepped down before completing their terms.

Men’s head coach Matt Ross, who was appointed in early 2081 (BS), resigned in Kartik after a series of poor results. Under his leadership, Nepal played seven international matches, winning one, drawing two, and losing four.

After his resignation, ANFA’s technical director Hari Khadka briefly took charge before Italian coach Guglielmo Arena was appointed as the new head coach. However, Nepal lost to Laos in his debut match.

Similarly, women’s head coach Patrick Wilde resigned after failing to guide the team to Asian Cup qualification.

Home Ground Declared Unfit

Nepal’s home ground, Dasharath Stadium, was declared unfit for official FIFA and AFC competitions. As a result, Nepal had to play its “home” matches against Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos in foreign venues, depriving local fans of the opportunity to watch the team.

Although Nepal managed to play one friendly match against Bangladesh at home, another scheduled match was cancelled due to protests. A planned match against Hong Kong was also called off because of administrative disputes.

Domestic Football in Disarray

The country’s top-tier league, the Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League, could not be held again this year, marking three consecutive seasons without the competition. Disagreements between ANFA and clubs disrupted the league structure and prevented the football calendar from being followed.

Although ANFA had announced plans to start the league, it failed to implement them. Multiple meetings between ANFA and clubs did not produce a solution.

After nearly a decade, a national league was launched but was suspended midway. Similarly, the first-ever women’s A-Division League was halted after just four matches due to administrative issues involving foreign players.

The Nepal Super League (NSL) also could not hold its fourth season due to ongoing disputes, although the third edition had concluded earlier.

Women’s Team Falls Short

Nepal’s women’s football had been showing progress in recent years. However, failure to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup dealt a major setback.

In the qualifiers held in Uzbekistan, Nepal lost a crucial match in a penalty shootout, ending its hopes of qualification. The defeat also affected long-term ambitions of playing in the Women’s World Cup.

Before the qualifiers, Nepal had played a friendly match against Thailand, losing 1–0.

Weak Performance at Youth Level

Nepal’s struggles extended to youth competitions as well. Both men’s and women’s teams failed to achieve success in SAFF and AFC tournaments.

The U-20 men’s team was eliminated in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship, while other youth teams also performed poorly in AFC qualifiers. The lack of strong grassroots development continues to affect the national teams.

From Early Election Controversy to Suspension

Off the field, the biggest issue of the year was ANFA’s controversial decision to hold early elections. The move sparked widespread criticism, with many calling it unconstitutional.

Despite repeated instructions from the National Sports Council to follow proper procedures, ANFA continued with its plans. This led to legal challenges, protests, and eventually the suspension of ANFA in March.

Although ANFA attempted to proceed with elections, they were ultimately postponed after discussions with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). One faction even boycotted the process.

Nepali Football in Crisis

Nepali football is now facing a serious crisis. With ANFA suspended domestically and under threat from FIFA, the future remains uncertain.

There are growing concerns about whether FIFA will impose a suspension and what impact it would have. At the same time, there is no clear solution to the ongoing problems.

Experts believe that all stakeholders must set aside personal interests and work together to rebuild the system. Without unity and proper governance, Nepali football risks falling even further behind.

For now, the year 2082 will be remembered as a year of failure, disputes, and missed opportunities — truly a year to forget for Nepali football.