Kathmandu, September 17
The leadership of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has claimed that FIFA still recognises its committee as the official football governing body in Nepal, despite its suspension.
Speaking at a press conference organised by ANFA on Thursday, General Secretary Kiran Rai said the association had been suspended by FIFA but had not been dismissed.
“FIFA recognises Pankaj Bikram Nembang’s committee as the official one. In that sense, we are suspended, not dismissed. There will be discussions,” Rai said.
Rai also said the salaries of players and employees had been withheld following the suspension and the government’s directive.
He said the government should provide clear instructions on how the situation should be handled.
“Either the government needs to give us clear instructions and tell us not to operate, or we need to decide whether the children should be handed over to their families or whether the government will take responsibility,” Rai said.
“We also need to clearly inform the employees. Otherwise, I believe we need to move ahead by resolving the problems we are facing,” he added.
Rai said talks held between the government and ANFA President Nembang on Wednesday had not produced a positive outcome.
He said a three-way meeting involving the government, FIFA and ANFA could be proposed if discussions with the government continue.
“If there are discussions with the government, we can propose a tripartite meeting involving FIFA,” Rai said.
