ANFA Withdraws From U-23 AFC Qualifiers Citing Financial Reasons
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has decided to withdraw the team from the U-23 Asia Cup qualifying tournament to be held in 2024. According to ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah, the team was not included the moment due to a lack of funds and not being included in the annual plan’s agenda.
In the past, Nepal was regularly playing U-23 Asia Cup qualifiers. The U-23 tournament was also important for the exposure of young players in the national team. However, ANFA, which has been criticized for enhancing officials’ accessibility to services, has made another reckless decision not to register the team’s name for the competition.
“Our top priority is the national team’s performance. The World Cup qualifiers will take place in October. That’s why we chose to skip a competition,” explains ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah, “We didn’t have a budget and a strategy for the U-23 program this year.”
The decision to withdraw Nepal from U-23 AFC Qualifiers has been heavily criticized by the Nepali football fans and stakeholders. They have pointed this decision to be a ‘complete mis-management by officials and heavy opportunity cost for our young players.’
After defeating Laos in the final of the Prime Minister’s Cup tri-nation football held two months ago, Nepal team coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese had said that the young team needs exposure.
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