Former President of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Ganesh Thapa, has taken legal action against the current General Secretary, Kiran Rai. Thapa filed a defamation lawsuit at the Kathmandu District Court, according to his lawyer, Bhupendra Pokharel.
Thapa accuses Rai of making false claims about him, particularly regarding the misuse of 170 million rupees during his time as ANFA president. Rai allegedly stated that 80 million rupees were later deposited into ANFA’s account following an investigation into asset laundering. Thapa argues that these accusations have damaged his reputation.
The lawsuit is based on Sections 306(1) and 306(2)(a) of Nepal’s Criminal (Code) Act, 2074 (2017), which prohibit defamation. Thapa is seeking punishment under Section 307(1), which allows for up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 rupees, or both. If defamation occurs via electronic or media channels, the law adds an extra penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of 10,000 rupees.
In addition to legal punishment, Thapa is demanding compensation for damages and reimbursement of legal expenses. Before filing the lawsuit, he had already lodged a complaint against Rai with the police’s Cyber Bureau in Bhotoahiti.
