By Sachit Subba • Off-Field • Mar 22, 2026 14:51 PM • 33 views
KATHMANDU, Nepal — The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has rejected a government order to stop its upcoming executive elections. ANFA said in a Sunday statement that elections will take place in Jhapa on March 27, despite the National Sports Council (NSC) objecting.
The dispute began on Thursday, when the NSC told ANFA to halt the election and provide a written explanation within three days. ANFA replied on time, telling NSC Member Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta in a letter signed by General Secretary Kiran Rai that the election process adheres to its governing rules.
ANFA said if the government cancels the vote, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would see it as outside interference. This could lead to a worldwide ban on Nepal’s national teams.
ANFA is more confident after a recent Patan High Court decision that did not stop the election. Its leaders say there is no legal reason to delay the vote. They have asked the NSC to help, not hinder, the democratic process.
With the deadline over and both sides firm, the upcoming Jhapa congress is a key moment for football leadership in Nepal.
