Matt Ross Resigns as Nepal Men’s Football Team Head Coach
Australian coach Matt Ross has resigned as head coach of the Nepal men’s national football team, after a short tenure of seven matches. This surprising move has created shockwaves in Nepal’s football community and invites several questions: Why did he step down? What happens to the team under the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)? How will this impact upcoming qualifiers and the squad’s morale?
Table of Contents
Who Is Matt Ross? Coaching Journey and Appointment
Early Career
Matt Ross is an Australian-born coach (born 4 January 1978) who has accrued nearly two decades of international experience. Transfermarkt
His previous assignments include:
- Coaching youth teams in Australia (U15/16 at Football Northern Territory) 2007-2011.
- Working in Germany at Eintracht Frankfurt (Women): assistant coach, head coach and video analyst between 2013-2017.
- Stints in Sweden (Vittsjö GIK), China U15 (women), and assistant coach of South Korea women’s national team (2020-23).
- Most recently before Nepal: head coach of the U19 men’s team of Al Qadsiah FC (Saudi Arabia) and assistant coach at United FC (UAE First Division).
Appointment in Nepal
Ross was appointed head coach of the Nepal men’s team by ANFA on 2 March 2025, signing an initial one-year contract. the-anfa.com+1
He succeeded Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese, whose contract ended in October 2024.
He was chosen from over 400 UEFA-Pro licence holders, and ANFA noted no direct government funding for his salary.
Expectations
Ross arrived in Kathmandu with a vision to improve Nepali football:
“The passion for football in Nepal is unbelievable… Now I feel I am in the right place.”
He aimed to win the SAFF Championship and target the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
The Unexpected Resignation: What We Know
On Oct 30, 2025, it was announced that Matt Ross has resigned as head coach of the Nepal men’s football team.
Here are the verified points:
- He communicated his resignation to ANFA via WhatsApp two days ago (confirmed by ANFA General Secretary).
- During his tenure, Nepal played seven matches under his leadership.
- The reason for his resignation has not been disclosed.
- His brief period included friendly matches and qualifiers – although official match-details (wins/losses) are scant in the resignation notice.
Note: Some earlier sources list Ross as still active; the resignation announcement is very recent. For example, Wikipedia still lists him as current coach.
We’ll keep monitoring for any formal follow-up. Sources : KathmanduPost
Five Key Facts After Ross’s Exit
Here are 5 facts you need to know now that “matt ross resigns” has become headline news:
1. Very Short Tenure
Ross’s time in charge lasted only seven matches. That indicates a very short cycle for a coach with his experience, and raises questions about whether strategic alignment was achieved in time.
2. No Public Reason Given
Unlike many coaches who cite contract expiry, disagreements, health or personal reasons, Ross’s resignation appears to have no disclosed motive. The vacated position may point to underlying issues at ANFA or with squad dynamics.
3. Timing Amid Critical Qualifiers
His departure comes at a critical juncture for the Nepal men’s team with qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 underway. A coaching change now could disrupt continuity, preparation and morale.
4. Broader Context of Nepali Football Challenges
Nepali football faces structural difficulties: limited infrastructure, budget constraints, player migration and administrative issues. Ross himself previously spoke of an “unbreakable spirit” among players facing such challenges.
Changing coaches amidst this backdrop adds complexity.
5. Opens the Door for ANFA and Transitional Leadership
With Ross gone, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) must act quickly. Whether they re-appoint an interim coach, promote internally or search externally, the choice will impact upcoming matches, player recruitment and preparation.
Implications for Nepal Men’s Football and ANFA
For the Team
- Disruption in Coaching Continuity: A new coach means a change in tactics, training methods and potentially player selection. That can unsettle players.
- Morale Impact: When a coach leaves abruptly, players may feel uncertainty. On the other hand, some may view it as an opportunity.
- Preparation for Qualifiers: The Nepal men’s team’s qualification pathway for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 is tight; a coaching shake-up could influence their competitiveness.
For ANFA
- Administrative Pressure: ANFA needs to explain and manage the transition publicly, reassuring sponsors, fans and players.
- Reputation and Strategy: Frequent coaching changes may damage perception of stability in Nepali football.
- Financial Considerations: New contracts, potential compensation, and recruitment costs will affect budgets.
Focus on Future Development
Ross had emphasised long-term plans: grassroots, academies, overseas exposure for players and building a football culture. With him gone, these ambitions risk losing momentum unless ANFA ensures continuity.
“It isn’t about tactics or fitness… it’s about the emotion and what we’re playing for.” — Matt Ross
What’s Next: ANFA’s Next Move & Future Outlook
What Should Happen Next
- ANFA should appoint an interim head coach immediately to ensure preparation (especially match-scheduling and training) is not disrupted.
- A full search should be launched for a long-term coach, with clear contract terms and performance metrics.
- Communications transparency: ANFA should clarify reasons for Ross’s departure (even if on confidentiality grounds) to maintain trust.
- Assurance to players and fans: ANFA must reassure all stakeholders that development pathways remain intact.
Outlook for Nepali Team
Although this is a setback, it can function as a reset. With the right appointment and stable strategy, Nepal’s men’s football team can regain its footing. The departure of Ross doesn’t have to derail momentum—but the next few weeks are critical.
Conclusion
In summary: matt ross resigns marks an abrupt end to what was hoped to be a progressive chapter for Nepal’s national men’s football team. With seven matches under his belt, an undisclosed reason for leaving and a key qualification phase ahead, the team and ANFA are at a strategic crossroads. The real work now lies in transition management, clear communication and maintaining focus on Nepal’s footballing aspirations.
