ANFA invites protesting players for talks

KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has called the protesting players for talks.

Issuing a press statement on Sunday, the governing body of Nepali football invited representatives of the Nepal Football Players’ Association for a dialogue scheduled for Monday.

Last Monday, a meeting between ANFA and representatives of ‘A’ Division clubs decided not to organise the top-tier league this year. Instead, they agreed to hold a national league.

The decision prompted strong opposition from players, who have been denied league football since the 2023 season concluded in June 2023. They staged a sit-in at the ANFA headquarters, hanging their medals as a symbol of dissent.

Three days later, the association accused ANFA of trying to avoid holding the league and announced a protest demanding that the league be conducted as planned. The protest received support from Gen Z Youth, former players, and coaches.

Unable to enter the ANFA premises, the players concluded their sit-in by hanging their medals in protest.