Hosting AFC Challenge Cup in limbo

KATHMANDU, Jan 18: The group D qualifiers of AFC Challenge Cup scheduled to be held in the capital from March 21 is in limbo as the only international stadium in the country, Dasharath Stadium, has been booked for different programs during the period.



Nepal Players and Coaches Association have booked the stadium for organizing an international wrestling event on February 26.[break] According to Indraman Tuladhar, the CEO of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), it would be very difficult for ANFA to prepare for the Challenge Cup if the wrestling event is not shifted.  



The ANFA has claimed that the National Sports Council (NSC), which has the ownership of the stadium, is responsible for creating the state of chaos as they rented the stadium to other parties. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has already approved ANFA´s proposal on hosting the event in Nepal.



"However, the NSC has consoled us to make the environment favorable after holding the meeting with all concerned stakeholders on Tuesday," Tuladhar said adding, "If we become unable to host the event it would be a great loss for Nepali football."



"We will have to report to the AFC that we were unable to hold the event in Nepal due to technical reasons. It will raise a serious question regarding Nepal´s credibility at the international level and it is less likely that we´ll ever get a chance to hold an international event in future."

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