Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League, the country’s premier football tournament, will begin from March 3 next year, All Nepal Football Association said on Thursday.

A meeting between ANFA, the country’s football governing body, and ‘A’ Division League clubs agreed to begin the event from March 3, 2023, ANFA wrote on its website, adding the league will be played in double round robin format.

The country’s premier division was previously scheduled to start from January 10. But the league was put off after 14 ‘A’ division clubs expressed their dissatisfaction towards ANFA’s dillydallying to provide them money to prepare for the league.

Last month, nine clubs had jointly submitted a memorandum of understanding to ANFA stating they would participate in the league only three months after receiving the amount.

The frustration had grown after ANFA failed to pay them Rs1.5m in addition to Rs7m, pending from last edition, as promised.

ANFA has decided to provide each club with Rs3.25 million as preparation costs this season. Of which, Rs15 million will be given prior to the league.

Tribhuvan Army Club and newcomers Church Boys have already received the amount.

“Other clubs will also receive the amount,” said Suresh Shah, the ANFA spokesperson. “ANFA and club representatives have agreed to a March 3 date. The ‘A’ Division League is certain to happen on the agreed date. ANFA and clubs will start making preparations now.”