KATHMANDU, March 1: The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Nepal and Bahrain will not be held at the Dasharath Stadium as the one and only international stadium of Nepal does not meet the required standards to host international tournaments, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a letter written to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
The AFC has also barred Nepal from hosting the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027 citing the same reason even though the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), the world football governing body, had earlier granted permission to Nepal to host the two events.
After receiving a letter from the AFC expressing concerns about the suitability of Dasharath Stadium for international tournaments, ANFA issued a statement confirming that the matches will not take place in Nepal.
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The AFC had already unveiled the schedule of Nepal’s first leg match against Bahrain at the Dasrath Stadium on March 21 and the return leg in Bahrain on March 27.
ANFA said that the matches will now be held in a neutral venue. The AFC took such a decision after inspection of the Dasharath Stadium. The AFC had sent one of its representatives Mindu Dorje to inspect the stadium. Dorje conducted the inspection last Monday.
After the inspection, Dorje submitted a report to AFC stating that the Dasharath Stadium is unsuitable for international football matches, as he was not satisfied with its condition.
With the home match now set to be played at a neutral venue, Nepal will not enjoy the support of domestic spectators. ANFA expressed regret in having to share this news to the Nepali fans.
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