Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A large number of football players and supporters staged a sit-in outside the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters on Thursday, demanding that the national football league be organised without further delay.
Security was tightened around the ANFA Complex from early morning, and protesters were barred from entering the premises. Carrying placards with slogans such as “Football feeds us, but ANFA gives us no hope” and “From the field to the streets for the game”, the demonstrators called for the immediate resumption of league football in the country.
The protest was organised by the Football Players’ Association, which has accused ANFA of trying to avoid holding the league. The movement has drawn support from Generation Z youth, former players, and coaches.
ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang is currently in Chitwan, while General Secretary Kiran Rai is in Hetauda. In anticipation of a large turnout, ANFA had sought police assistance and restricted media entry into its compound during the protest.
The agitation follows a meeting held on Monday between ANFA and football clubs, where it was agreed that this year’s top-tier competition would be replaced by a national league instead of the traditional A-Division League. Players, however, opposed the decision and took to the streets, arguing that the league must be held as scheduled.
The last top-division league took place in 2023. ANFA has been failing to organize the league due to internal disputes. With no league matches held for nearly two years, players say their professional and financial situations have become increasingly difficult.
“We only want the chance to play — football is our livelihood,” one protesting player said. “ANFA’s delays have left us with no option but to protest.”
Despite growing pressure from players and fans, ANFA officials have yet to issue a formal response regarding the resumption of the league.
