Set Back For Nepali Football

It looks though Nepal’s woes in international football is never going to end. Should I say Nepali football is cursed? Over the years, we have witnessed a chain of events that has virtually kept football development on hold. Dipping playing standards, lacklustre international outings, ANFA feud and now the Asian Youth U-16 scandal. What is next in store? Wait and see. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decision to bar the national team from taking part in future Asian Youth U-16 championships for a year is disgusting and devastating. AFC was prompted to take action against Nepal after Nepali officials refused to allow their players to be x-rayed to determine their age during the Asian Youth U-16 championship in Dahang, Vietnam last year. A foolish mistake on the part of officials who tried to save their skins. As a consequence, Amir Gharti who led the Nepali delegation paid a heavy price. AFC suspended him from holding office in a national team for five years. When we have officials like Gharti serving the national association, is development possible? The step taken by AFC is part of their campaign to cleanse Asian football from fraud and cheating. Over the years, international football image has been tainted by corruption, match fixing, over aged players and drug related cases. More importantly, any sporting competition must be won or lost in style or true sportsmanship. Resorting to foul means or dirty tricks is no achievement and cannot be endorsed or accepted. AFC decision might be but is appropriate and justifiable. My heart goes out to thousands and thousands of aspiring and promising youngsters across the country who have been made to suffer because of the silly mistake. If AFC truly wants to put an end to the ongoing ANFA row, why has it failed to forward a workable solution acceptable to both ANFAs? AFC intentions can be harsh suspected because if it desires it can definitely end the impasse that is pushing Nepali football to nowhere. We do not want Nepali football held hostage to the two feuding ANFAs any more. Enough is enough.

Sushil Thapa
(Via e-mail)
Winchester, Virginia, USA

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