Nepal Football League Announced: Seven Clubs Ready for a New Era of Professional Football
A new franchise-based competition, the Nepal Football League (NFL), has been announced with plans to begin on February 13, 2027, featuring seven existing city-based clubs and potentially more teams. Led by NFL President Kalyan Gurung, the proposed competition aims to strengthen professional football in Nepal through a longer season and home-and-away matches, subject to stadium availability and necessary approvals.
· 3 min read
Kathmandu, October 16, 2026
Nepal Announces New Football League
A New Football League Planned for Nepal
A new franchise-based football competition, the Nepal Football League (NFL), was announced in Kathmandu on Friday, October 16, 2026, with plans to begin on Falgun 1, 2083 (February 13, 2027). The initiative, led by NFL President Kalyan Gurung and participating football clubs, aims to develop a more professional structure for domestic football, create a longer competitive season and bring matches to different cities across Nepal.
Seven Clubs Set to Participate
Seven existing city-based football clubs have been named as participants in the proposed competition:
Kathmandu Rayzrs
Lalitpur City FC
FC Chitwan
Pokhara Thunders
Butwal Lumbini FC
Dhangadhi FC
Jhapa FC
Organizers also plan to include additional clubs representing other cities. However, the final number of participating teams has not yet been officially confirmed.
A Four-Month Competition Planned
The Nepal Football League is expected to run for approximately four months, including its preparation period, according to Gurung.
Organizers plan to introduce a home-and-away format, allowing participating clubs to play matches at different venues. However, the implementation of this format will depend on the availability and suitability of football stadiums.
The complete fixture schedule, match venues and final competition structure have not yet been announced.
A Push Toward Professional Football
NFL President Kalyan Gurung said the competition aims to help make Nepali football fully professional.
The proposed league is being developed through an initiative involving football clubs, with organizers seeking to establish a more structured domestic competition.
The initiative represents an effort to create a new platform for club football, although its long-term impact will depend on successful organization and continued participation.
Independent Committee Planned for Fair Competition
Organizers have announced plans to establish a separate independent committee to help ensure that the competition is conducted fairly.
The proposed arrangement is intended to support impartial management of the league.
Further information about the committee's membership, responsibilities and operating procedures has not yet been released.
Necessary Approvals Still Pending
The Nepal Football League remains in the planning stage, and organizers are working to obtain the necessary approvals before the competition begins.
Although February 13, 2027, has been announced as the intended opening date, the league's launch will depend on completing the required procedures and preparations.
What This Could Mean for Nepali Football
The proposed Nepal Football League could create another competitive platform for football clubs and players in Nepal.
A longer competition and the possibility of matches in multiple cities could provide more opportunities for clubs to engage with local supporters.
For now, the announced plans signal a new effort to develop professional football, with the final format, approvals and operational arrangements still to be confirmed.
Published 47 mins ago in Sports