KATHMANDU, July 2: The government has pledged to end corruption and political interference in the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), saying the country's football governing body should be led by former players and football professionals.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday following the Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson and Minister for Youth and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said ANFA had long suffered from political interference and corruption, which had contributed to its suspension by FIFA.
FIFA suspends Nepal over third-party interference
Pokharel said the government has formed a high-level committee, led by the vice-chairperson of the National Sports Council (NSC), to investigate allegations of irregularities and corruption within ANFA. Necessary action will be taken after the committee submits its report, he added.
Describing the current situation as one of the darkest periods in Nepali football, Pokharel noted that the country's division league has stalled and football development has come to a standstill.
He said the government has already initiated formal dialogue with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to help lift the suspension and has invited officials from both organizations to Nepal for talks.
"The new ANFA will not be a centre for political appointments or corruption," Pokharel said. "It will be entrusted to people who understand football and are committed to its development."
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