According to a press statement issued by MMC, shortage of players forced the club to pull out of the tournament despite its desire to participate in the event. [break]
Seven of MMC´s players are in the closed camp of the national team for the upcoming SAFF Championship, and All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had earlier turned down the club´s request to release its players for the tournament.
ANFA turned down the club´s request to either release its players from the national team´s closed camp or let it hire unregistered foreign players for the tournament, the press statement further said.
"The club spends a huge amount in salary for players but it is regrettable if they are not available when required," reads the press statement signed by MMC President Tashi Ghale. "We apologize to all the fans and supporters for pulling out of the tournament despite our willingness to participate in the event."
MMC is facing a players crunch as 13 of the 25 players who played for the club during the Martyrs Memorial A Division League are no more associated with the club as their contracts were not renewed. MMC currently has only five players who featured during the league, besides those in the closed camp for the national team.
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