KATHMANDU: Football players in Nepal staged a dramatic protest outside the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters in Satdobato on Thursday, expressing anger over the association’s decision to skip this year’s A-Division League.
As a symbolic gesture, players hung the medals they had won on ANFA’s gate, saying their hard-earned achievements had effectively been gifted to the association. The act was meant to highlight their frustration over the lack of opportunities for competition and recognition due to the absence of a regular league.
Organized by the Nepal Football Players’ Union, the protest brought together players from various clubs affected by ANFA’s decision. “We have worked hard to win these medals, yet skipping the regular league undermines our achievements and development,” one player said during the protest. “Our efforts are being overlooked, and our careers are at risk.”
Earlier this week, ANFA officials and representatives from 14 clubs met and agreed to postpone the home-and-away A-Division League until next year.
For this year, the National League will be held instead, featuring 10 teams: the top six from the A-Division League three years ago and four semifinalists from the ongoing ANFA President’s League in Hetauda. The remaining eight A-Division clubs will not participate.
Players criticized this arrangement, arguing that it limits competitive opportunities and reduces visibility for emerging talent. They stressed that regular league participation is essential for maintaining standards and fostering the growth of football in Nepal.
“The medals we have won represent years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice,” a protesting player said. “Hanging them on ANFA’s gate was a message: our achievements should not be ignored or wasted.”
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