The number of Nepal’s international footballers leaving for greener pastures,better opportunities
and a secure financial future abroad is on the rise.

Those who have already left were either in their prime or midway through their career. Do not be
surprised if more players follow suit.

Whether or not we agree,the steady flow of players leaving the country is unfortunate, troubling
and a cause for concern for Nepal football.

The majority of players who have migrated to Australia, the United States of America, European
countries or elsewhere no longer play full-time competitive football.

Speaking of professional or semi-professional leagues in the aforementioned countries,it is
obvious that the standard is very high and extremely competitive.

Getting into the professional league for any player is very challenging and an uphill battle.
Leave alone the first -tier league.Making it into the second-tier and further down is a tall
order,especially for footballers from South Asia.

They have to go through a rigorous process of showcasing their ability and potential in front of
scouts,agents and representatives of football clubs.

As a matter of fact,even getting try-outs and open trials is not easy.Only if players are young and
exceptionally talented,they stand an outside chance of getting it.

Nepali internationals who left the country for new destinations of their choice more than a
decade ago had no option but to end their careers prematurely for a secure future.

Most likely,the latest wave of internationals who left the country will end up doing the same.I
would be taken aback if they change their minds and decide to return back to Nepal.

As we have seen, for the most part former Nepali internationals abroad are limited to playing
competitions organized by the Nepali diaspora community.

At a time when national teams in various age groups are under performing and struggling like
never before in international tournaments,the departure of well-seasoned and upcoming
players is a big blow and does not bode well for Nepal football.

It is a clear reflection of deep rooted problems plaguing Nepal football.That said,there is no
reason to panic in the strictest sense because there is no dearth of talent in the country.

In fact,there are emerging players aplenty waiting in the wings who are knocking the doors of
national selectors and ready to step into their shoes.

But if the current football landscape remains unchanged,the lack of career development
fear,financial insecurity and uncertain future is most likely to drive more players to leave the
country.

In light of recent events:uncertainty over the National Super League, former Kuwaiti Head
Coach of the national team Abdullah Al Mutairi’s feud with a section of senior players and ANFA
President Pankaj B Nembang(then senior Vice-President) and a sharply divided ANFA( prior to
the recent election) added fuel to the fire.

The biggest issue Nepal football faces today is the absence of a conducive environment and
professional league system,coupled with dynamic leadership,sound and effective governance.
I have no hesitation in saying that this is a direct result of organizational failure on part of the
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

Everyone agrees that as caretakers(ANFA) of the game,it is solely responsible for the
professional development of football in the country.However,they have been a big let down and
decades of disappointment.

Far too little has been done to create a positive,healthy and productive environment for players
who are pursuing a professional career.

Weak leadership,bad governance, factionalism,corruption,unaccountability, corrupt
administrative practices and petty politics in ANFA have held back football development far too
long.There is no end in sight to these systemic problems yet.

Furthermore,football Clubs in the country lack a strong culture and professional
development.They face financial challenges,lack infrastructures,necessary tools and
resources.

As a result, their contribution to the systematic growth and development of professional football
in the country is negligible.

As things stand,I don’t see how players can advance and build a sustainable career in the
present environment.

As realization dawns on them that they have no future playing football in Nepal,they are forced
into making the most difficult decision to move abroad before it is too late for their future career
prospects.

It is very obvious that the feeling of fear and uncertainty of the future is driving them abroad.
We will have to wait and see the approach and direction the newly elected ANFA President
Pankaj B Nembang’s administration takes to address the issue.

They must seriously take stock of the situation and put forth an honest effort to create an
optimistic environment in order to stem the flow of players leaving the country.

Only a meaningful concerted and collaborative effort between ANFA, football clubs and
stakeholders can make a significant difference and help slowly turn things around.

-By Sushil Thapa,Fairfax,VA