COVER STORY (Spotlight Weekly)

Tale Of Foul Play

With the government openly backing the ad hoc committee of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and international football bodies endorsing the recent ANFA elections, the sport has sunk into deeper controversy. Snubbing the International Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation, the government seems intent on legitimizing its illegal act. Nepalese football will see a series of setbacks as long as the government fails to play by the rules.

By KESHAB POUDEL

Anil Karki, a student of All Nepal Football Academy, has been living in the Bengal Hotel at Bhotebahal for the last one week pondering over his future. Ever since a dispute engulfed ANFA, Karki, a resident of the eastern town of Biratnagar, has been wondering when he might be able to play soccer again.

"Nobody knows when the warring factions will agree to settle their problems," a downcast Karki says. "I am tired of living in such uncertainty." There are 39 other students who share a similar anxiety.

Thapa (left) and Rana : Tug of war

The future of 40 youths participating in the ANFA academy course has become uncertain after the government formed an ANFA ad-hoc committee and the governing body of the sport held its own elections on October 16.

"The government must take immediate steps to find a compromise between the two groups," Karki says.

The youths were thrown out when Ganesh Thapa, the newly elected president of ANFA, was prevented from taking office last week. Following a request from the ANFA ad-hoc committee, headed by Geeta Rana, principal of Galaxy Boarding School, the local administration stopped Thapa and the youths from entering the ANFA complex in Satdobato.

Rejecting pleas by the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the government and the National Sports Council (NSC) are still backing the ad-hoc committee and providing members full police protection.

"This is a naked violation of national and international law by the government. I don't understand why they are sacrificing an entire sports association just for the sake of Geeta Rana," Thapa says.

ANFA held its elections in presence of FIFA\AFC representative Manilal Fernando on October 16 in defiance of the government. The government responded by sending police into the ANFA complex, sending a negative signal in the international sports arena. The Nepal Olympic Committee, which is affiliated to the International Olympic Committee, has also spurned appeals by international sports groups.

"If the crisis is not settled very soon, Nepal may lose the support of FIFA and the AFC," a sports analyst says.

In the October 30 letter from Zurich, FIFA general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen informed Thapa that the international soccer federation recognized his ANFA.

Similarly, AFC general secretary Peter Velappan in a letter dated October 29 informed Thapa that AFC and FIFA recognized the ANFA annual general meeting held on October 16 where Thapa was elected.

Moreover, we insist on the fact that the all Nepal Football Federation headquarters and academy should be permitted to function without disruption or interferences under the All Nepal Football Association.

History of ANFA's infighting

ANFA has a long history of infighting. Since its formation over 25 years ago, the association has seen few peaceful elections. Even the founding father of Nepalese soccer, Nara Sumsher Rana, was removed unceremoniously in the 1980s. Later, Rana's Nepal Football Association was deregulated following an order from the Supreme Court. ANFA was formed to replace the NFA.

ANFA itself has faced a series of controversies. Kamal Thapa, the longest serving president of ANFA, gave much-needed stability to the organisation until his resignation in 1987. Since then, the body has seen five presidents.

Six years ago, Rukma Sumsher Rana was booted out of the ANFA head office in Tripureshwor under humiliating circumstances by Thapa and his team, which, ironically, included Geeta Rana. This time it was the Geeta-and-Rukma duo that blocked Thapa from entering into the ANFA complex.

ANFA has seen a long tradition where everyone waits for the opportune time to capture the institution with the backing of the government.

Rana, who successfully plotted the anti-Thapa coup now, may face a similar fate the next time there is a change of government. "If government interference continues in this way, no sports institutions can expect to remain independent," says advocate Bishnu Bhattarai.

Capturing ANFA by hook or by crook is a game that has been played several times at Dasarath Stadium.

Since few seem to have the patience to participate in the arduous election process, aspirants are treading the shorter path --courting politicians for the coveted chair. As political affiliation and blessing often determine the selection process, professional players are often ignored.

In the never-ending battle to throw out rivals, the ANFA constitution has been changed frequently to justify the move. Officials follow the association's constitution as long as it serves their interest. Over the last two decade, ANFA has seen more than half a dozen constitutions.

"If officials respect the recent stay order of the Supreme Court, all sports associations, including ANFA, can enjoy total autonomy," says advocate Bhattarai, who filed the case in the apex court on behalf of Thapa. In its September 18 decision, the Supreme Court ordered the NSC to allow ANFA to function according to its regulations.

Thapa's Achievement

After its election, the Thapa team has taken steps to reorganize football tournaments. Thapa says he has revitalized the tournaments, apart from building the new ANFA office complex.

Under the FIFA goal project, ANFA will receive more than 50 million rupees, which is seen as a major achievement. "If you look at the work of the last five years, you can easily see the changes in Nepalese football," says Thapa.

However, his opponents are not impressed. "Thapa has done nothing. He has only misused his position for which he should be punished," says Surendra Shrestha.

Despite some shortcomings, one can see certain changes in Nepalese football. But it would be wrong to try to justify the unjust on the basis of personal grudges.

Geeta Rana Vs Ganesh Thapa

The recent dispute in ANFA erupted as Geeta Rana and some of her colleagues refused to follow procedures set by the association's regulation. She formed an ad-hoc committee saying she had the support of the majority of the executive committee members.

AFC general secretary Dato Peter Velappan also wrote a letter to Rukma Sumsher Rana expressing the shock of the FIFA and AFC executive committee over the police seizure of the ANFA complex. Velappan has requested Rukma Sumshere Rana to use his good office to return the complex and its facilities to ANFA.

As Rukma Rana has befriended the ad hoc committee, he is not in a position to endorse the decision given by AFC and FIFA.

"I cannot recognize Thapa's ANFA as Geeta Rana has already formed another ad-hoc committee according to regulations," said Rana.

"Rana's failure to support the call of FIFA and the AFC may backfire. If the government one day dissolved the NOC and replaced it with another ad hoc committee, how would Rukma Rana be able to defend himself," says a sports analyst.

In the last five years, Thapa managed to edge out all his rivals in ANFA, including Rukma Rana. As it turns out, that strategy could not head off challengers.

Some who have been observing Thapa's performance believe his way of dealing with colleagues is central to the current crisis. Most of those who joined the Rana camp have accused Thapa of being arrogant.

"The present dispute is the creation of Ganesh Thapa. His arrogance encouraged his close colleagues to revolt against him," says Shrestha, a leading Thapa critic. "Had he accommodated all his rivals, he would not have had to face the current situation."

NSC member-secretary Binod Shankar Palikhe is also said to have backed the anti-Thapa rebels. He may have been acting in response to the support Thapa reportedly gave to the government in ousting Palikhe as NSC member-secretary eight months ago.

Former president of ANFA Purushottam Shrestha and other dissatisfied groups within the association are also reportedly waiting for the appropriate time to ditch Thapa, who is said to be firmly holding the organization.

"I know Thapa is arrogant but that does not mean his opponents should use unconstitutional means to replace him. There are enough legal procedures to oust him," says a football fan.

Government in Controversy

Had the government remained neutral and insisted on fair play, the situation would not have deteriorated to such an extent. The NOC, too, succumbed to the personal politics of Rukma Rana, who had been waiting five years for his revenge.

"I told them that I was ready to quit the association if I was defeated in the elections," Thapa said. " I don't understand why they vehemently opposed me with scant regard to the democratic process."

Contradictions in Ad-hoc Committee

The members of ad-hoc committee also took contradictory stands. First they argued that the then executive did not have the right to hold the election as its tenure had expired. Later, they themselves claimed that the majority of the executive committee member passed a no-confidence motion against Thapa.

"If the executive committee's tenure was over, there was no question of bringing the vote of no-confidence against Thapa," says Bhattarai.

Even the press release of the NSC, which was published in leading newspapers, said the tenure of executive committee led by Thapa had expired on October 13 and that it could not hold the elections. If the committee had no right to hold elections, how could it pass a vote of no-confidence?

"The rebels said Thapa's faction was in the minority. Which process did they adopt to prove it. Their claims are contradictory, says advocate Bhattarai.

The rebels disagree. "We passed the vote of no-confidence against Thapa before the expiry of the tenure," Geeta Rana said at a press conference last week. "As we are recognized by the NSC, we represent the legitimate ANFA."

In this battle of greed, revenge and personal ambition, the importance of democratic process and legitimacy has been undermined.

If bullying tactics replace the rule of law, politicians will be emboldened to intervene in the affairs of other associations, turning the sports field into a political playground.

It is urgent to restore democracy on the football field. But who will make the opening move?

"Since Geeta Rana has been chosen by a majority of ANFA's executive members, Thapa has to contest new elections," says Rukma Rana. "As Rana's committee is backed by a majority of executive members, we have no alternative to recognizing her."

ANFA regulations specify a procedure for bringing a vote of no-confidence against the president. "There is no record that the procedure was followed while introducing the motion against me in the executive committee," said Thapa.

Thapa's rivals waited for five years to avenge their humiliation. They finally struck Thapa when a faction of his old confidants rebelled against him.

The move to replace Thapa began six months ago when Dilendra Badu was appointed Minister of State of Sports and Education. Geeta Rana, who was hatching a plot against Thapa, received strong backing from Badu.

They used every tactic to press Thapa to resign. However, adamant Thapa fought it alone with some political backing from a faction opposed to Badu.

The ministry first set up a commission to investigate wrongdoings of ANFA. Then Thapa was told he would be taken to the Commission of Investigation of Abuse of Authority. "Honestly, I don't think I have committed any irregularity. I am not afraid of their reactions," says Thapa.

Rana : Backing the ad-hoc committee

Opponents accuse Thapa of misusing the resources of ANFA. "I think Geeta Rana will investigate all the wrongdoings of Thapa," says Shrestha.

Rukma Rana says he tried his best to persuade Thapa to resign. "I made every effort to convince Ganesh that it would be better for him to resign to save ANFA from going into ruin," said the NOC president.

There may be many reasons behind the ongoing war in ANFA but central to the feud is the personal confrontation between Geeta Rana and Thapa, the two most ambitious persons in the association. It was Thapa who nominated Geeta Rana five years ago despite her inexperience in the sport.

Geeta Rana and the NSC used another tactic when their efforts to pressure Thapa to resign failed. "We were not given adequate time to contest the elections," says Tikaram Shaha," vice president of ANFA ad-hoc committee."It was not an election but a bogus voting initiated by Thapa and Company."

Amid the din of the ongoing controversy, it is clear that Thapa conducted the elections in accordance with ANFA regulations in the presence of AFC observer Manilal Fernando.

Ultimate Solution:

As per the stay order issued by the Supreme Court, every institution is allowed to work independently and without any interference from the government.

As the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal guarantees the right of individuals to register the institution, no one should be allowed to interfere in the process.

According to the NSC Act, even the council does not have a role to play. What it can simply do is to coordinate among different sports associations.

"Some people in the NSC still do not know that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 is not the constitution of 1962," said Bhattarai.

During the Panchayat days, the NSC was given full authority to regulate and deregister sports association.

Past Presidents of ANFA

1. Rom Bahadur Thapa
2. Aditya Dhoj Joshi
3. Kamal Thapa
4. Chandra Bahadur Gurung
5. Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan
6. Purushotam Shrestha (acting)
7. Rukma Sumsher
8. Ganesh T hapa

A game that stresses fair play is itself mired in foul play. The recent melodrama in ANFA shows the unfairness of the process and system within it. Till the process of democratization begins, the association will have to face many rounds of faulty decisions.

What FIFA says in the letter

1. FIFA and the AFC accept the All Nepal Football Association annual general meeting held on October 16, 2000 where Mr. Ganesh Thapa was elected.

2. FIFA and the AFC will assist the All Nepal Football Association in amending its constitution.

3. In the first instance, the constitution should be amended by a committee comprising representatives from the Sports Ministry, ANFA and the NSC. The amended constitution should be submitted to FIFA and the AFC for approval.

4. FIFA and the AFC should urge ANFA to accept the amended constitution. Once that has been done, an All Nepal Football Federation should come into existence, should act under the provisions of the latter and if necessary, call for fresh elections under the new constitution.

5. Until such time, the government and the NSC should cooperate with the All Nepal Football Association recommended by FIFA and the AFC and should not act with an ad-hoc committee which would violate Article 7 (i) and (ii) of the FIFA status.

‘I Am The Legitimate President’

— GANESH THAPA

GANESH THAPA, newly elected president of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), is a renowned former national soccer player of the Nepalese national team. Thapa is now fighting the newly formed All Nepal Football Association ad-hoc committee under the chairmanship of Geeta Rana. Thapa spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues surrounding the controversy. Excerpts:

How do you claim that your association is legitimate?

For the first time in the history of sports, we held elections democratically even in the grass-roots level. This is the reason why the International Football Federation (FIFA) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have recognized us. It is only the NSC and some officials who formed a separate so-called ad-hoc committee under the chairmanship of Geeta Rana when they failed to oust me through elections. The so-called ad-hoc committee also captured our office and tore up papers.

But your rivals claim that your association is illegal?

The accusation is just another act to prove their unjust behaviour. There are certain provisions in ANFA's constitution to replace the president. Of course, a two-thirds majority of the ANFA general council can replace president at any time. They have not taken such steps. It is the ad-hoc committee formed by Geeta Rana which is not in accordance with any existing regulations. She, of course, has the protection of the police and the Ministry of Sports and Education.

What achievements have you made during your tenure?

We have made many achievements, including the goal projects, the ANFA academy and other new schemes. It is a matter of great pride to say that Nepal has been chosen as a model country in South Asia to start the goal project. It is a pity that when international organizations have recognized our efforts by choosing Nepal as venue for model project, our own officials have insulted us.

You have been accused of ignoring the directions of the NSC and of opposing the government.

I have never opposed the government or ignored genuine directions of the NSC. I resisted the NSC's bullying and its impractical demands. I resisted their intention to impose a president on ANFA.

What are the reasons behind your ongoing dispute with Geeta Rana?

I don't want to call it a dispute. It is simply an unseen conspiracy against me. It was plotted against me a year ago when Geeta Rana tried to obstruct regular elections of ANFA. She went to Lalitpur Appellate Court seeking a stay order to postpone the elections. When I called the general assembly to amend the ANFA's constitution, she, with the backing of the NSC, forced us to postpone it. Interestingly, it was the NSC which asked us to amend the constitution. The officials set up a commission to probe ANFA's activities but were unable to find any evidence against me. The ministry and the NSC made every effort to dissolve ANFA. They even threatened to take me to the Commission of Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

Why do the officials want to replace you?

They simply want Geeta Rana as president. You know the importance of being the principal of Galaxy School. She has proved that money can influence everyone.

Your rivals say there is plenty of evidence to prove you guilty?

I am ready to face any actions if I am found guilty. I challenge the council to form an independent probe commission. Was it a crime to have brought the goal project to Nepal?

What efforts have you made to preempt the move?

I went to the Supreme Court, which issued a stay order to NSC not to take any action against ANFA. Even after that order, NSC officials continue to harass me. When the entire NSC and the ministry have stood against me, I, as an individual, can do nothing.

Your opponents say your arrogance and bullying nature forced them to act. What do you say?

It is not a question of arrogance or bullying. If I am arrogant and bullying why could they not defeat me in the elections. They also had the chance to contest the elections. There is an election process to kick me out. For the last five years no one made any such comment on me, why have they chosen this period? If I am unpopular, I will lose the election. I am ready to face any verdict of the elections.

All of the rebels, including Geeta Rana, were once close colleagues of yours. Why did they revolt against your leadership?

There is no single reason behind the revolt. Most of the members in the ad-hoc committee lost the elections in the preliminary. So, they chose the easy way.

It is said that during your tenure Nepal's football ranking fell from 123 to 164. What do you say?

Ranking is not sufficient to judge the standard of national football. Ranking is taken with various other activities. Today's investment will yield results within the next five years. If you see the performance, we secured second position in the South Asian Football and equalized with Malaysia and defeated Hong Kong in the World Cup preliminary games. Our youth team won the prestigious Subarto Cup. If you compare my five-year tenure with the previous five years, then you will realize the changes we have made.

What is the solution of the existing dispute?

If we follow the directions of FIFA and the AFC and take necessary steps, we can find a solution. I don't understand why they are demanding my resignation. Even Rukma Sumsher Rana held an election while he was president of the NOC. We don't have any provision to hold elections under a neutral ad-hoc committee. This proves that the only intention of the officials is to replace me and to appoint Geeta Rana. They are biased against me.

It is said that you have made the constitution in such a way that your opponent cannot win the elections.

I have always expressed my commitment to democratization in the election process. I will accept the verdict of the general council members. I challenge Rana to contest the elections. If the action of the NSC is justified by law, I will tender my resignation.

How do you prove that you are different than Geeta Rana?

I played football for 30 years and she has been in the school business. Everyone now says that money can do everything in Nepal -- that it can make a non-sportswoman the president of the top football association. If money is the primary qualification to get the post, why don't we appoint businessmen as ministers?

‘Thapa Tried To Monopolize ANFA’

— SURENDRA BAHADUR SHRESTHA

SURENDRA BAHADUR SHRESTHA has had a long association with All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Shrestha, who was joint secretary of ANFA for 25 years, believes that the feud in ANFA will hamper the development of soccer in the country. Shrestha squarely blames Ganesh Thapa for present situation. Excerpts:

How do you see the current feud in ANFA?

The efforts of Ganesh Thapa to monopolize ANFA is the reason behind the present dispute. When someone tries to monopolize an organization, it is natural to have opponents. Had Thapa accommodated all football lovers to contest the elections, the dispute would have been averted. Thapa has to take all responsibility for the present dispute as all the rebels were once his proteges and were nominated by him. According to the present regulations, the president has the right to nominate 75 percent of the members. Thapa's arrogance hurts even his one-time followers.

Since you have been outside ANFA for the last 12 years, how do you see the overall performance of Nepalese football?

Over the last 12 years, I have seen an erosion in the quality of football. When I quit ANFA, Nepal was in 123rd position in the FIFA football ranking. Now Nepal's position is 164. It will take another 10 years to secure our old position. In terms of tournaments, there are very nominal activities today. When I was joint secretary, there were many junior tournaments, including Birthday Cup, Nar Trophy and junior and senior ANFA. There were enormous tournaments and teams.

How do you see the formation of two associations. Is there any possibility for a compromise?

I do not see any possibility now. As long as Ganesh Thapa remains in office, no one can devise a compromise formula. As the National Sports Council does not have a mediatory role, Nepal Olympic Committee may play a mediatory role.

Why has Nepal's sports been politicized?

Unfortunately, it is the officials who are responsible for this. Every political leader wants to appoint his henchman in the National Sports Council. As long as politicians do not realize the need to appoint professionals at the council, it will continue to be a political playground.

As a soccer lover, what will be your advice to them?

My advice will be to bury differences and work collectively to raise the quality of soccer. Time has come for Thapa and Rana to show true sportsmanship.

Do you have any suggestions to make ANFA independent and strong?

The association's organizational structures must be bound by a parliamentary act guaranteeing free and fair elections. As there is no single act, each president of the associations develops rules to suit their own interest.

How do you see the future of soccer?

If we delink politics from soccer, the future of Nepalese soccer is very bright. Since the associations have more money and resources, rules must be formulated to govern the association. It is the resources that lure the people. When I was associated with ANFA, we had to spend money on our own.

‘Thapa Felt Threatened By Rana’

— TIKA RAM SHAHI

Vice president of ANFA ad-hoc committee (Rana) TIKA RAM SHAHI - who backs Geeta Rana - is said to be the mastermind behind the present ANFA incident. Known as a perfect man in writing rules and regulations of any kinds of international and national tournament, Shahi, a former science teacher, joined ANFA in 1975 as a vice president. Shahi also served in different positions in the National Sports Council before his retirement. Shahi spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues.

How did the dispute in ANFA erupt?

It erupted following the unilateral announcement of elections by Ganesh Thapa. After the completion of the five-year term, the ANFA executive did not start a legitimate and reliable process to conduct elections. Thapa started the conspiracy in April when he sought the permission of the National Sports Council to hold the elections. It was Thapa's actions which triggered the dispute. The president of the ad-hoc committee, Gita Rana, has already called for a compromise.

Wasn't Geeta Rana's announcement sudden?

It was not sudden because she announced her candidature one year before the elections. After her announcement, Thapa felt threatened and made every efforts to pre-empt her.

How do you evaluate the performance of Thapa?

The report of the investigation commission constituted by the NSC describe the irregularities committed by Thapa. After the leakage of the report, many of Thapa's colleagues started deserting his camp. Because of this, Thapa hurriedly called fresh elections and declared himself elected in 10 days. He held the elections when almost all top NSC leaders were at the Sydney Olympics.

How do you see the elections conducted by Thapa?

Since the government has formed the ad-hoc committee to hold the elections, there is no reason to talk about Thapa's ANFA. The elections were held against existing rules and regulations. Thapa also opposed the moves of the NSC and the government. He distributed membership to his cronies. We have already received complaints from different districts regarding wrongdoings of Thapa's faction.

How do you claim that your ad-hoc committee is legitimate?

Our committee was formed with the support of 21 out of 29 members who passed a vote of no-confidence against Thapa. The NSC did not dissolve ANFA but gave the mandate to the central committee to form an ad-hoc committee under the chairmanship of Geeta Rana.

Your ANFA ad-hoc committee is backed by the government and Thapa's ANFA is supported by international bodies like FIFA and AFC. Which one is legitimate?

Our organization is legitimate as it has been endorsed by the National Sports Council. According to the act, the NSC's endorsement is necessary for legitimacy.

This government recognizes Geeta Rana's ad-hoc committee. If the next government dissolves your committee, what will be your response?

I don't think any government can dissolve a legitimate association.

It is accused that your committee is backed by politicians. How do you respond?

Look, it was Ganesh Thapa who made every effort to use politicians to defend himself. This committee does not have any political backing.

Then why did the district administration support your ad-hoc committee to capture ANFA House?

It is natural for the district administration to protect a legitimate institution. As soon as the NSC approved us, ours became the legitimate committee.

It is said that Minister of State of Sports and Education Dilendra Prasad Badu supported Geeta Rana's ad-hoc committee to overthrow Thapa?

As a departmental minister, we are free to consult him. There is no question of his backing as the committee was formed by two thirds of the ANFA executive committee.

How could the NSC endorse your ad-hoc committee when the Supreme Court a stay order against taking any steps regarding ANFA?

It is not the NSC but two thirds the ANFA executive committee which passed the vote of no-confidence against Ganesh Thapa and chose Geeta Rana as the president of ad-hoc committee.

After maintaining a low profile for a decade, why have you entered ANFA at such a controversial time?

I have been with football for nearly three decades. I was involved even when I was not a member of the executive committee. One of my aims is to support the effort of Geeta Madam to improve the quality of football in Nepal.

Why did you side with Geeta Rana's ad-hoc committee?

Rana heads the legitimate ANFA committee which has been recognised by the National Sports Council.

At a time when there is such a dispute, how bright is the future of football in Nepal?

The future of soccer is bright. The present dispute will be settled very soon when all genuine members will accept Geeta Rana's committee.