Pankaj Bikram Nembang, President of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), and General Secretary Kiran Rai have been granted bail after each paying Rs500,000 due to allegations of match-fixing, fraud, and money laundering.
Both officials appeared in court on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
After their statements, District Judge Hari Singh Dhami and the bench ordered their release on bail, allowing them to remain free while the case is ongoing.
Bail Granted
Nembang and Rai had previously missed court appearances since the charges were filed.
After providing statements, the court decided they could be released on bail, each required to pay Rs500,000.
The allegations revolve around misconduct within football administration, including issues with an international match and questions about money and sports equipment.
Four Officials Involved
The case emerged from an investigation by the CIB unit of the Nepal Police. The accused include:
- Pankaj Bikram Nembang – ANFA President
- Kiran Rai – ANFA General Secretary
- Rabindra Joshi – ANFA Treasurer
- Sanjiv Pandey – ANFA Accounts Officer
Joshi and Pandey have already been released on bail, paying Rs1.5 million and Rs1.2 million, respectively. Nembang and Rai followed suit with their Rs500,000 bail.
Nepal’s Match Against Bahrain
A significant issue involves Nepal’s 2024 World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, which was relocated to a neutral venue. Concerns have been raised regarding the poor condition of Dasharath Stadium, the decision making process for the match relocation, and the necessary approvals.
Allegations suggest there were irregularities with about US$20,000 in ticket revenue from the match, which are part of a broader investigation into ANFA’s financial management.
Sports Equipment Concerns
The investigation also examined allegations of irregularities in the procurement of sports equipment.
Questions arose about the use of quotes instead of competitive bidding for significant amounts, as well as the independence of the involved companies.
Additionally, there are concerns about financial records and the management of football funds. The court will determine the implications for the defendants.
Ongoing Case
The bail release for Nembang and Rai does not indicate that the case has been dismissed or that they are innocent.
The ongoing investigation focuses on alleged match-fixing, fraud, and money laundering linked to the football association and is part of a larger inquiry into ANFA’s management.
This is the latest update on the case, which will continue through judicial processes.