Nepali Football in Turmoil: Coach De Wild’s Abrupt Exit Exposes Deep-Seated ANFA Issues
Kathmandu, Nepal – The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) finds itself at a critical crossroads following the abrupt departure of Belgian UEFA Pro-Licensed coach Patrick De Wild, despite the Nepali women’s national team’s commendable performance in the recent 2025 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. De Wild, who led the team to a “Remontada” against world No. 51 Uzbekistan and an impressive 20 goals in three matches, chose not to return to Kathmandu with his squad, heading directly to Belgium instead. His exit has cast a harsh spotlight on what he describes as pervasive mismanagement and misplaced priorities within ANFA.
n a candid interview, De Wild stated he would “not return to Nepal if ANFA doesn’t mend its ways,” emphasizing he came “for the players, not the circus”. His grievances are extensive, ranging from inadequate player accommodation in “hostel-like” hotels with “bad food” and a lack of basic recovery necessities like “ice for players,” to the absence of essential professional support staff such as a physical coach and video analyst, which were stipulated in his contract. He also lamented the complete lack of modern football technology like GPS and cameras for performance analysis. De Wild further criticized ANFA for prioritizing political optics, citing a Prime Minister’s video call on match day that placed “immense pressure” on players, leading some to hesitate during a crucial penalty shootout.
NFA’s response has been largely ambiguous. General Secretary Kiran Rai stated discussions would occur upon De Wild’s return, yet internal sources revealed the coach had already communicated his concerns to the association. Adding to the chaos was a visible captaincy controversy, where De Wild’s preferred captain was not submitted until an hour before a match, leading to confusion and internal friction within the squad. Star striker Sabitra Bhandari, who ultimately captained the team, admitted to “internal tensions” and sleepless nights due to the pressure.
espite these significant challenges, the players displayed remarkable resilience and a deep emotional bond with De Wild, praising his “fresh energy” and “positive changes”. Their ability to perform amidst such disarray underscores their immense potential, yet also highlights the detrimental impact of the administrative environment.
he controversy points to deeper, systemic issues within Nepali football: a chronic “lack of investment and long-term plans”. While ANFA has an annual budget of Rs. 1.56 billion, there’s no clear allocation for women’s football development beyond general expenses. This contrasts sharply with nations like Uzbekistan, whose success is built on state-funded academies, comprehensive staffing, and a philosophy of investing in football as a “social project” .
he path forward for Nepali women’s football hinges on ANFA’s willingness to implement genuine reforms. This includes establishing a clear “vision and technical plan” from grassroots to the senior team, securing sustained investment, and fostering a truly professional and supportive environment for both players and coaching staff. As De Wild himself questioned, “will ANFA let football grow, or let another coach walk away?”. The future of the sport in Nepal depends on the answer.
