Ministry Objects to ANFA Officials’ Unapproved Foreign Visit

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has raised concerns regarding the overseas trip of 10 officials from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). The Ministry’s objection stems from the officials’ failure to obtain prior permission from the National Sports Council (NSC) before departing.

Under the National Sports Development Act, 2077, it is mandated that officials seek approval from the NSC before undertaking official trips abroad. The Ministry has directed the NSC to take appropriate action against ANFA in light of this violation.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s national football team is gearing up for a friendly match against Malaysia on March 15, as part of the preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Following the friendly fixture, the team is slated to engage in two ‘Home and Away’ matches against Bahrain on March 21 and 26.

Notably, the ten ANFA officials accompanied the Nepali team currently in Malaysia. In response, the Ministry, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, urged the Home Ministry to permit sports officials’ foreign visits for participation in international events, training sessions, seminars, and conferences only after obtaining approval from the NSC.