ANFA President Karma Tsering Sherpa Arrested in 87.8M Rupee Fraud Case

Nepal’s football governing body faces a major scandal as former All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Karma Tsering Sherpa was arrested on Friday by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police. The high-profile arrest, carried out in Budhanilkantha, centers on charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust.

Sherpa is accused of embezzling approximately 87.8 million rupees during his tenure as the executive head of Tungram International Academy in Hattigaunda. The amount involved marks one of the largest financial misconduct cases linked to a former ANFA leader in recent years.

A History of Turmoil in Nepali Football

This arrest adds to a long string of controversies surrounding Nepali football leadership. Sherpa himself had previously led a revolt against former ANFA President Ganesh Thapa, whose FIFA ban for bribery in 2013 sparked global outrage. Thapa’s case included unexplained payments to football bosses across Asia, including Mari Martinez of the Philippines Football Association.

During Sherpa’s one-year tenure as ANFA president, internal disputes led to the resignation of the association’s spokesperson, Rai, amid growing tensions. His leadership was also marked by no-confidence motions and accusations of mismanagement, further destabilizing the organization.

Immediate Fallout for ANFA

In the wake of Sherpa’s arrest, ANFA has officially suspended all football activities, including the U16 Youth League and U18 competitions. The suspension reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for internal review before resuming operations.

As investigations continue, the football community in Nepal awaits clarity on the broader implications of this case. With public trust already strained by years of leadership scandals, Sherpa’s arrest could either serve as a turning point for reform or deepen the crisis within Nepali football.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Sherpa and the 87.8 million rupees at the heart of this fraud case. The outcome of the legal process will likely shape the future trajectory of football governance in Nepal.