The President and General Secretary of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) appeared in Lalitpur District Court on Wednesday to finalize their statements in a fraud and match-fixing case.
“The statements have been submitted, and the case will now enter the argument phase,” said Tikadhwaj Karki, the court’s information officer.
The officials are facing charges alongside ANFA Treasurer Rabindra Joshi and Accounts Officer Sanjiv Pandey.
Case Moves to Argument Phase
President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai attended the court after previously missing hearings. They have now provided their statements.
“They both have made their statements, so the case will proceed to the argument stage,” Karki stated.
This means that the case can now advance to present arguments.
Four ANFA Officials Charged
The Government Attorney’s Office of Lalitpur District initiated the case after an investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police.
The four individuals involved are ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang, General Secretary Kiran Rai, Treasurer Rabindra Joshi, and Accounts Officer Sanjiv Pandey.
They face allegations of financial irregularities, fraud, and issues related to the Nepal-Bahrain international football match. Investigations also covered procurement processes, ticket sales, and other financial activities.
These charges stem from a review of ANFA’s management and finances.
Treasurer and Accounts Officer Released on Bail
Treasurer Rabindra Joshi and Accounts Officer Sanjiv Pandey were arrested earlier but have since been released on bail.
Nembang and Rai had previously skipped court appearances. They have now attended and provided their statements.
Governance and Finance Concerns
This case has brought attention to governance and financial issues within Nepal’s football administration. The charges relate to money management, procurement, and international football.
However, these remain allegations, and the court will assess the evidence and arguments.
With their statements submitted, the case can now proceed to the argument phase, and the court will determine the next steps.
This is a crucial moment for football in Nepal.