Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has recommended that All Nepal Football Association ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang, General Secretary Kiran Rai, and two other officials face prosecution following an investigation into alleged financial irregularities, match fixing, and fraud.
On Wednesday, the bureau sent its report to the government attorney, recommending prosecution of Nembang, Rai, Treasurer Rabindra Joshi, and Accountant Sanjiv Pandey in the case under investigation. CIB spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Anupam Shamsher Rana confirmed this.
CIB Probes Rs 6.65 Million in Irregularities
The CIB examined alleged irregularities involving Rs 6.65 million at the football association.
The inquiry focused on the purchase of jerseys, tracksuits, shoes, and other goods from Chinese brand Kelme.
According to the bureau, items worth approximately Rs 6.653 million were purchased without the required tender. ANFA rules require a public tender for purchases exceeding Rs 1 million.
The CIB has asked the government attorney to review the allegation that funds were misappropriated in the case.
Probe Examines Match Fixing and Other Allegations
In addition to financial mismanagement, the investigation covered alleged manipulation of international matches, as well as other administrative and financial irregularities connected to matches.
The bureau looked into claims that ANFA sold Nepal’s home matches in ways contrary to the country’s interests, disregarded instructions from the National Sports Council, unlawfully provided allowances to officials, and misused grant funds.
The CIB also examined alleged commissions and other irregularities related to hotel bookings for the Women’s SAFF Championship, unauthorized foreign travel, and appointments made without proper authority.
Investigators further considered allegations that ANFA bypassed the legal tender process and mishandled the allocation of marketing, digital, broadcasting, and ticketing rights for various football tournaments.
The bureau also investigated the decision to move the 2024 FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup preliminary matches between Nepal and Bahrain from Kathmandu to Bahrain.
Nepal was scheduled to host the Gulf nation at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. However, both matches were held at Bahrain’s National Stadium because Dasharath Stadium was deemed unsuitable for international fixtures.
The CIB found that the decision had harmed the country and recommended prosecution under laws concerning offences against the nation’s interests.
Two ANFA Officials Arrested by CIB
As part of its inquiry, the CIB raided ANFA’s office in Satdobato, Lalitpur, on September 18 and seized relevant documents. Treasurer Rabindra Joshi and Accountant Sanjiv Pandey were arrested in connection with the investigation.
The Supreme Court rejected their bail application, and the investigation proceeded.
Reports have said that ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai went missing after the arrests.
FIFA Suspends ANFA During Investigation
During its investigation into the football body, the CIB recommended prosecution of the four ANFA officials. The recommendation, however, does not constitute a final verdict.
ANFA was reportedly suspended by FIFA on June 24 over alleged third-party interference, which disrupted football activities in the country and created difficulties for the government.
ANFA is also under government surveillance alongside the CIB investigation.
The government attorney will decide what legal action should follow against the four officials after considering the report.