The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has been forced to suspend the National League and the Martyrs Memorial Women’s League.

While matches under the National League were ongoing today, the Department of Immigration issued a letter stating that foreign players can only participate if they have both work permits and labor approval. Following this directive, ANFA informed all participating clubs that all remaining matches—starting from the third game of the day—would be postponed.

In its letter, the department cited Rule 20 of the Immigration Regulations 2051, which clearly states that foreigners holding a visa are not allowed to engage in activities other than the purpose for which the visa was issued. The department also warned ANFA of immediate action if the rule is found to be violated.

Speaking on the matter, ANFA CEO Indraman Tuladhar said the league had to be suspended following the department’s notice. Currently, around three dozen foreign players are participating in the National League, but except for those from Chitlang FC, most do not have labor approval.

Tuladhar stated that the process for obtaining labor approval for the players had already been initiated collectively, but the file is currently stuck at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He alleged that the ministry has not been cooperative and accused the government of deliberately causing delays, preventing the process from moving forward. As a result, ANFA had no choice but to suspend the league.

Three matches were scheduled for today. After the completion of the first two games, ANFA decided to suspend the league starting from the third match in the evening. A total of 38 matches are still remaining in the league. ANFA stated that both leagues have been halted due to technical reasons.

Women’s League suspended shortly after kickoff

It has also been revealed that the Martyrs Memorial Women’s League began without approval from the National Sports Council. ANFA CEO Tuladhar said that despite repeated follow-ups, the council did not grant permission to operate the league.

He further explained that without approval, it was not possible to proceed with the labor approval process for foreign players. The file submitted on Falgun 28 has not moved forward. Following the Immigration Department’s letter, ANFA was compelled to suspend the Women’s League, which had only started yesterday.

ANFA has informed all nine participating clubs that matches would be suspended starting from the fifth game. Only four matches—two yesterday and two today—have been completed so far.

ANFA has often faced controversy over its decisions, and both the National and Women’s Leagues have not been exempt. Meanwhile, clubs participating in the Martyrs Memorial League have continued their protest against ANFA.