While billions are being spent on flashy infrastructure like view towers and cement-heavy vanity projects, Nepal's most loving sport – football – continues to suffer from systemic neglect. The country still lacks a single stadium that meets AFC or FIFA standards, rendering us ineligible to host accredited international matches on home soil.
The Dasharath Stadium, once considered the pride of Nepali football, is now outdated and unfit for international games. Despite some renovation work, it fails to meet the basic criteria set by the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA. Meanwhile, hopes were pinned on the newly built Pokhara Stadium, but its unfinished facilities, subpar playing surface, and overall lack of readiness raise serious questions about its legitimacy. Many have labeled it a “scam project”, and unfortunately, they’re not wrong.
The Infrastructure Black Hole
How can a football-loving nation not have a single internationally accredited stadium? It’s not about budget shortages – after all, the government can allocate billions for view towers. But when it comes to building training grounds, maintaining pitches, or even providing basic facilities for players, the urgency vanishes.
We are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for the bare minimum – well-maintained pitches, professional league structures, training facilities, and a system that allows players to dream of becoming professionals.
Government Must Step In – With Action, Not Speeches
Back in the day, national football players proudly served under various government departments. Today, except from police, APF & TAFC players, other players don't have jobs. This is disheartening, especially considering the sacrifices athletes make representing Nepal on international platforms.
The government must collaborate with ANFA to create better pathways – both professionally and financially – for athletes. From providing government jobs, insurance, educational support, and medical benefits, to rewarding medal-winning athletes, there’s a lot that can be done – and should have been done by now.
ANFA Must Get Serious, Too
While ANFA operates under funding from AFC and FIFA, there are no excuses for not fulfilling the basic needs of players. These funds, even with restrictions, are intended for the development and welfare of the sport – not bureaucracy. No ANFA official pays from their pocket, yet the system still fails to deliver the essentials for the very people who play the game.
We need a proper league structure, not a few matches in Kathmandu. A strong league with regional clubs from cities like Jhapa Butwal, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, and Pokhara will not only strengthen the footballing pyramid but also fuel local economies and engage local fan bases.
When city-based clubs thrive, they’ll pay better salaries – even thousands or lakhs per player. That’s how sustainable careers are built in sports.
Time to Invest in People – Not Just Concrete
Yes, ANFA’s decision to pay NPR 30,000 monthly to national players is a positive step. But it's the clubs, not the FA, that should shoulder the responsibility of paying players for their service. The FA’s job is to empower and support clubs, ensuring they have the tools and environment to thrive.
We also urge the National Sports Council to speed up their support programs. Though some progress is visible, it’s far from enough. The focus must shift toward building thousands of training fields, investing in modern coaching, scientific equipment, international exposure, and organizing friendly matches with stronger teams. This is how a footballing nation is built.
Corporate Houses – Where Are You?
The lack of involvement from Nepal’s corporate sector is another glaring gap. Sponsorships and private investment are the backbone of sports development in any successful nation. In Nepal, however, corporate houses remain largely apathetic, unwilling to invest in the long-term future of sports.
Sports development should be a national priority. If we continue to ignore the players, the grounds they train on, and the systems they depend on, we are not just killing football – we are stifling the dreams of thousands of aspiring athletes.
It’s time to go beyond slogans, medals, and token rewards. It’s time to build the foundation our athletes truly deserve.
