Football governing body suspends four players for their 'inappropriate behaviour'
Suspension follows a month-long investigation after they were found partying ahead of a match against Kuwait in Bhutan last month. Forward Gharti Magar, midfielders Bista, Tamang and defender Rajbanshi were dropped after serious misconduct. File
The disciplinary committee of the All Nepal Football Association on Friday suspended four players for what it called their inappropriate behaviour during the national team camp for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022 match against Kuwait.
The national football governing body said it had launched an investigation into the four players on November 16 after they were caught drinking and partying in Thamel area on November 15.
"Players must be disciplined and professional. The action decided by the committee must be a lesson for all the players," ANFA General Secretary Indra Man Tuladhar told the Post. "ANFA maintains zero tolerance for such actions."
Bimal Gharti Magar and Dinesh Rajbanshi have been suspended for 90 days while Anjan Bista and Santosh Tamang will face suspension for 45 days with effect from December 13, according to a statement issued by ANFA on Friday.
All the four players have also been slapped with a fine of Rs50,000 each.
"Gharti Magar and Rajbanshi have been given longer suspension because the disciplinary committee found them to be the main culprits," said Tuladhar. "The national football governing body will hand over suspension letters to all four players on Sunday."
The players, however, will get an opportunity to appeal if they wish.
"Players have their right reserved to make an appeal once we hand over the suspension letters to them," said Tuladhar.
The four players were dropped from the team that went to Bhutan on November 17 to play the World Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifier against Kuwait two days later, on November 19. Nepal lost the match 1-0.
Friday's suspension will mean the four players will have no involvement in any of the activities recognised by the ANFA, including the Martyrs' Memorial 'A' Division league organised by the apex football body, which commences on Saturday.
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