Nepalese Footballers Protest Ahead of Clash with Bangladesh

Nepal is set to play an international friendly against Bangladesh on 13 November at the Paltan National Stadium. In preparation for the match, coach Jamal Bhuiyan began training the squad a week in advance. However, alongside their on-field preparations, Nepalese players have taken to protesting off the pitch.

On Thursday, professional footballers gathered in front of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) complex to demand the immediate resumption of the ‘A’ Division League, the country’s professional league. Local media outlets reported the protest beginning on Thursday, highlighting the growing frustration among players.

The players assembled outside the ANFA complex in the morning, but were denied entry on security grounds. They also requested permission to present their demands to the Nepal Football Players’ Union Federation, which was refused.

Among the protesters were national team stars Rohit Chand and Anjan Bista, along with several others. They emphasised that the absence of top-tier competitions for over two and a half years has left many players unemployed and placed their careers in jeopardy.

Earlier this week, officials from the Nepal Football Federation and representatives from 14 clubs held a meeting, deciding that the ‘A’ Division League would not take place this year and would be postponed until the following year.

However, professional league players have refused to accept this decision. Unable to enter the ANFA complex, they staged protests outside, displaying their earned medals as a symbol of their grievances. The players stressed that the only way to maintain the standard of football in Nepal is through the regular organisation of competitive leagues.