Nepal’s A-Division League Set to Resume After Prolonged Hiatus

Kathmandu, Nepal – After more than 1,000 days of inactivity, Nepal’s top-tier football league, the A-Division League, is scheduled to recommence on April 13th, 2026, with regular fixtures beginning May 3rd, 2026. The announcement follows an agreement reached between the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the Nepal Football Players’ Association (NFPA) on Tuesday, March 11th, 2026.

Agreement Reached After Player Protest

The resumption of the league comes after a period of protest by the NFPA, who padlocked the main building of ANFA at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur, on Sunday, March 10th, 2026. The players voiced three key demands: a clear schedule for the A-Division League, disclosure of details regarding the Players’ Perpetual Fund (including a Rs6.5 million levy from a tournament held in February 2025), and reimbursement of promised prize money dating back to 2017, along with regular player salaries Kathmandu Post.

NFPA president Bikram Lama described the settlement as the culmination of a lengthy struggle, stating that assurances regarding the league’s resumption had been repeatedly given without a firm date. Kathmandu Post

League Logistics and Club Concerns

ANFA competitions director Sanjeev Mishra confirmed that the calendar for the ongoing National League will be revised to accommodate the A-Division League’s schedule. The fate of Three Star Club and APF Club will be determined following an official ruling. Kathmandu Post

ANFA has committed to disbursing one installment of player awards within March 2026, with further payments to follow. Contributions to the Welfare Fund will be deposited shortly. Kathmandu Post

Separately, First Division clubs have urged ANFA to honor previously signed agreements, expressing dissatisfaction with the current leadership and calling for reforms to improve transparency and professionalism in football management. They warned that unresolved issues dating back three years must be addressed promptly to ensure the long-term development of the game. Kathmandu Post

About ANFA

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was founded in 1951 and became affiliated with FIFA in 1972. It is the governing body for football in Nepal, overseeing both men’s and women’s national teams, as well as club competitions. The current president of ANFA is Pankaj Bikram Nembang, and its headquarters are located in Satdobato, Lalitpur. Wikipedia, ANFA Official Website