Kathmandu, June 8: The National Sports Council (NSC), the governing body of Nepal’s sports, has refused to lift restrictions preventing officials of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) from travelling abroad.
ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai visited the NSC on Sunday seeking the withdrawal of a decision that has barred them from travelling overseas to attend activities related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both of them were planning to visit USA for the upcoming FIFA World Cup event.
However, NSC Member Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta said the council declined to approve their request and would not, for the time being, facilitate the officials’ foreign travel.
According to sources, ANFA officials had earlier approached the Department of Immigration in an effort to clear the travel restriction. However, immigration authorities reportedly advised them to obtain a recommendation from the National Sports Council.
Following that instruction, the ANFA delegation visited the Council seeking the required clearance. The Council, however, maintained its position and declined to issue the recommendation.
The dispute comes amid ongoing tensions between ANFA and the sports governing authorities over administrative and regulatory matters. Further discussions between the concerned parties are expected in the coming days. #Nepal
