Rai, the second vice president of ANFA said the future of Nepali football was in crisis following death of acting President Lalit Krishna Shrestha who was electrocuted on Friday at his residence in Bhaisepati, Lalitpur.The disgruntled faction of ANFA led by another vice president Karma Chhiring Sherpa and Rai had been protesting against the establishment for a year demanding transparency and end of autocratic management by ANFA President Ganesh Thapa. Except late Shrestha, all three vice presidents of ANFA were in the disgruntled faction.
Rai, the second vice president in hierarchy after late Shrestha, making public his views in the changed context said that the time has come to be responsible to save Nepali football. Expressing condolence over the untimely demise of late Shrestha, he also praised President's Thapa's contribution to football. Thapa, who is under self-suspension after facing corruption charges since the last six months is still the most powerful person in the football governing body and is the main player in naming the next acting president.
The U-turn of Rai who had been a fierce critic of Thapa can be viewed as a new twist in the story. "I am deeply shocked by the untimely demise of Shrestha. Thapa too has made great contributions to football. Though it is a time of sorrow, there should not be leadership void in Nepali football. Both sides should settle the disputes and reach a conclusion," Rai said at a press conference in his hometown Dharan on Thursday.
He, however, blamed the other side (establishment) of irresponsible behavior. "I had written to the General Secretary to call the executive committee meeting of ANFA after Shrestha's demise. But they turned deaf ear," he fumed. "There is no environment for dialogue with the other side. The National Sports Council, Ministry of Youth and Sports should take an initiative. If they disagree then the government should intervene."
Rai also clarified that their protest was not aimed at any individual but against he autocratic working style of Thapa and non-transparent financial transaction of ANFA.
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