The tournament to be held under league cum knockout format will feature 16 out of 18 first division teams other than Koilapani Polstar of Nawalparasi and Machhindra Club, stated ANFA CEO Indraman Tuladhar. [break]
The tournament, sponsored by British Gurkha Group as a part of a three-year agreement with ANFA, is running in second year. As per the agreement, ANFA gets two million to conduct the event.
Regarding the absence of Koilapani and Machhindra, ANFA Vice-president and spokesperson Lalit Krishna Shrestha said, "Koilapani and Machhindra clubs did not register for the tournament within the deadline given by ANFA."
The participating teams are divided into four groups, with four teams in each group. The defending champions, Nabil Three Star Club, and the runner up, Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC), and last year´s league winner Nepal Police Club and third position holder New Road Team (NRT) are given seeding and divided into four different groups while other teams are grouped through a random draw.
MMC, Bansbari, Sarswoti and Samsung Jawalakhel are drawn in group A while NRT, United Youth, Army Club and Bouddha are in group B. Group C consists of Police Club, Himalayan Sherpa, Friends and Swayambhu. Likewise, Three Star, Brigade Boys, Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) and Armed Police Force are slotted in group D.
All the participating teams will get Rs 50,000 as preparation fees. 80 percent of the gate money collected during league rounds will be distributed equally among the teams and 60 percent of the gate money will be distributed during quarterfinals.
The winning team will bag a purse of Rs one million while the runners up will get half the amount. Two semifinalists will be awarded with Rs 100,000 each. Best players in four different positions--goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward and best coach will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each.
Best player of the tournament will be rewarded with a motorbike. Most valuable player of each match in the knockout stage will be given an attractive prize. The expected expense of the tournament is five million.
British Gorkha Group President DB Bomjan and other officials were present during the press meet.
Related story
One more ex-British Gurkha soldier dies of COVID-19 in Britain
