The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has officially cancelled its planned ANFA knockout tournament, which was supposed to begin on Baisakh 20 (May 2, 2025). The decision came after only four teams registered by the deadline of Baisakh 10 (April 22).
ANFA Knockout Tournament Aimed to :
ANFA had organized the knockout tournament with the goal of selecting a team to represent Nepal in the AFC Club Championship. The event was planned to include several ‘A’ Division clubs.
However, due to the low number of registrations, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah confirmed that the ANFA knockout tournament will not take place. “Only four clubs have registered. When most clubs show no interest, it is not possible to conduct the ANFA knockout tournament with just four teams,” Shah explained. “ANFA is ready to organize if clubs show interest.”
Majority of Clubs Declined Participation
Earlier, nine ‘A’ Division clubs had already opted out, citing insufficient preparation time and procedural issues. As a result, only four clubs—Tribhuvan Army FC, Nepal Police Club, APF Club, and Sankata Club—had registered by the deadline.
Official Notification Sent to Clubs
Following the low turnout, ANFA sent an official letter to all clubs on Thursday informing them that the ANFA knockout tournament would not take place as planned on Baisakh 20, due to technical reasons.
Uncertainty Around AFC Representation
With the ANFA knockout tournament cancelled, Nepal’s participation in the AFC Club Championship is now uncertain. According to Shah, without an official domestic competition, there may be no eligible club to represent Nepal in the continental tournament.
This unexpected turn of events has left a big question mark over Nepal’s involvement in international club football this season.
