5 Shocking Reasons Nepali Footballers Protest Outside ANFA Complex Demanding A Division League

Footballers Protest Outside ANFA Complex Demanding ‘A’ Division League

The A Division League has become the focal point of a growing storm in Nepali football. On Thursday morning, a united front of professional players marched to the gates of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) in Satdobato, Lalitpur – demanding the immediate resumption of the top-flight domestic competition which has been on hiatus for over two years.

The Flashpoint: Why the Players Protest

On 6 November 2025, players representing clubs from the Martyr’s Memorial A Division League gathered at 11 a.m. at the ANFA complex in Satdobato. They were stopped at the gate when the Nepal Football Players Association (NFPA) sought permission to enter the premises and air their demands-permission which was denied. After more than an hour of waiting, the players began chanting slogans and demonstrating outside the gate. Some national team players joined – including stars such as Rohit Chand and Anjan Bista, and former captain Biraj Maharjan.

In their own words:

“We want football activities to resume and the disorder in Nepali football to end.” — NFPA President Bikram Lama
They delivered an ultimatum: if ANFA fails to produce a concrete plan for the A Division League within one week, the protest will intensify.

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5 Key Reasons Behind the Protest

1. Suspended A Division League Cycle

The A Division League, the highest‐level men’s domestic competition in Nepal, has been suspended for more than two and a half years. ANFA recently confirmed it will not hold the league this year, opting instead to organise a national league format.
For many players, this pause is not just a delay-it’s a breakdown of the professional cycle.

2. Player Livelihoods & Voicelessness

Hundreds of players are effectively unemployed, missing match-days, exposure, and income. The NFPA warns that between 1,250 to 2,100 players from various divisions could be impacted. Kathmandu Post
The protest highlighted a deep frustration: players feel their concerns have been ignored, their future compromised, and their right to play taken away.

3. Governance Issues at ANFA

The players’ protest also signals mounting distrust in the governance of the All Nepal Football Association. Decisions such as shifting match venues, repeated postponements, and vague calendar announcements contribute to the breakdown.
Symbolic protests – the hanging of medals on the gate of ANFA, the slogans “Our boots are idle” and “Where is our right to play?”—underline the depth of disenchantment. Khabarhub

4. Impact on Nepali Football Development

A consistent, competitive domestic league is the lifeblood of national team success and club development. The hiatus of the A Division League hampers player development, club financing, sponsorships, and fan engagement.
According to historical data, the league is the top tier in the Nepali pyramid, feeding national team players to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions.

5. Emotional Toll and Public Pressure

For fans, for veteran players, for future stars-this is personal. The protest is not only about competition; it is about pride, recognition, hope. As one national team defender said:

“Under normal circumstances … I would have played in two more editions of the league … but I have not had that fortune.”
That sense of “lost time” is fueling the urgency of the protest.

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What ANFA Says – And What Comes Next

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has justified its decision by citing logistical issues: clubs unable to find home grounds for the proposed home-and-away format, and off‐schedule calendars.
ANFA currently plans to organise a National League this year — however, players claim that this is not a substitute for a proper A Division League. The demand is clear:
“We want the A Division League back now.”

Over the next week, key things to watch:

• Will ANFA table a concrete calendar and format for the A Division League?
• Will clubs accept the proposed format?
• Will players escalate protests (e.g., street marches, sit-ins) if no progress is made?

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Possible Scenarios: 3 Outlooks for the A Division League

Scenario	Description	Likelihood	Implication
Scenario A – Rapid Resumption	ANFA schedules the A Division League to start within months, with full format reinstated.	Moderate	Players return to competition; trust rebuilt; fan engagement revived.
Scenario B – Compromise Format	ANFA introduces a truncated or regionalised league backup; not full home/away.	Higher	League returns partially; dissatisfaction remains; development slowed.
Scenario C – Continued Delay	The A Division League remains suspended, the National League becomes the default.	Medium-Low	Players may boycott; domestic football credibility damaged; sponsors withdraw.

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Conclusion: The Stakes for Nepali Football

The protest outside ANFA’s Satdobato complex is more than a mere demonstration; it’s a loud signal that the foundations of Nepali football are creaking. The A Division League is not just a competition-it is the backbone of the sport in Nepal. Its absence leaves players idle, fans disillusioned, and the future uncertain.

If ANFA heeds the call and delivers a tangible plan, Nepali football can bounce back. But delay or half-measures could cost much more than a few lost seasons. The players’ voices are clear: They want the A Division League back, now.

FAQs: Protest and the League’s Future