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Kathmandu, November 6 —

After three years without domestic league football, frustrated Nepali footballers staged a sit-in protest at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters in Satdobato on Thursday.

National team players and other top-tier footballers gathered outside ANFA, demanding the immediate resumption of the Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League, which has not been held since 2022. Players accused ANFA of repeatedly deceiving them with false promises about organizing the league.

In a symbolic act of protest, several players hung their medals on the ANFA gate, expressing anger and disappointment over the prolonged inactivity.

Recently, ANFA announced plans to hold a National League in December and postpone the A-Division League to December next year, to be played under a home-and-away format. However, players have rejected the plan, insisting that the A-Division League should take place first, followed by the National League.

Footballers’ Association president Bikram Lama said players have been urging ANFA to organize the league for the past two years through formal letters and discussions, but their concerns have been ignored. Lama warned that many players are now unemployed and some have even left the country seeking better opportunities.

Security was tightened around ANFA headquarters during the protest as players tried to meet ANFA officials. Police prevented them from entering the building.

ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah said that President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai were out of Kathmandu and that efforts were being made to calm the situation.

Former players, coaches, and young football enthusiasts also joined the demonstration in solidarity with the protesting footballers.

The last A-Division League was held in 2022 (2079 BS). Since then, ANFA’s internal politics and management disputes have disrupted the regular organization of the A, B, and C Division Leagues, leaving Nepal’s domestic football scene in limbo.