National Sports Council Directs ANFA to Halt General Assembly and Election Process

Kathmandu — The National Sports Council (NSC), also known as Rakhep, has directed the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to immediately suspend all activities related to its upcoming General Assembly (Ordinary Congress) and election process.

In a formal letter sent to ANFA, the council expressed serious concern that the football governing body had announced the schedule for the general assembly and elections without proper coordination with the National Sports Council.

According to the council, ANFA had earlier been instructed on February 10 (Magh 28) to complete all procedures in accordance with prevailing laws. The directive also included 11 specific points that the association was required to follow before moving forward with the general assembly.

However, the council stated that it later learned—through various social media platforms—that ANFA had again published the election schedule without complying with the previous instructions.

Complaints Filed Against the Process

The National Sports Council also revealed that it had received formal complaints from ANFA’s vice president and several central committee members. The complaints claim that the election process was being moved forward illegally and in defiance of the council’s instructions.

The complainants warned that such actions could damage Nepal’s international reputation and negatively affect the development of football in the country.

Legal Basis for the Directive

Based on these concerns, the council issued its order under:

• Rule 7 (G) of the National Sports Development Regulations, 2079, and

• Section 28 (D) of the National Sports Development Act, 2077.

Under these provisions, ANFA has been instructed to suspend all activities related to its general assembly and elections until approval is granted by the council.

The council also stated that copies of the letter have been sent to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other relevant authorities for further information and coordination.

Election Schedule and Candidates

Earlier, ANFA’s Election Committee had announced on March 6 (Falgun 22) that the election would take place on March 26 (Chaitra 13).

The election had already been postponed twice before:

• First due to an order from the Patan High Court, and

• Later following instructions from the Election Commission Nepal.

For the upcoming election, Pankaj Bikram Nembang and Dirgha Bahadur KC have filed their nominations for the position of president.

According to the election committee:

• 3 candidates have filed nominations for Senior Vice President

• 10 candidates for four Vice President positions

• 30 candidates for 13 open central committee seats

• 4 candidates for two women central committee positions

The future schedule of the ANFA election process now remains uncertain as the association must first receive approval from the National Sports Council before proceeding further.