National League champions to get Rs 2.5m

Dec-27th-2011
LALITPUR: The champions of the inaugural Red Bull ‘A’ Division National League, beginning at the Pokhara Stadium on December 30, will receive a revised cash prize of Rs 2.5 million.

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has previously announced a cash prize of four million rupees for the champions. “We had unofficially announced Rs 4 million for the champions but after consulting with the participating clubs we have revised the amount,” said the ANFA President Ganesh Thapa at a press conference here today.

The revised paycheck meant the runners-up will pocket one million rupees, while third and fourth place finishers will get Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000. The best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker and coach will get a motorcycle each. Champions will also get an opportunity to represent Nepal in the 2012 AFC President’s Cup Qualifiers.

The football governing body also said that they would provide Rs 200,000 to each of the participating teams as preparation money. Of the total estimated costs of Rs 14 million, Rs 4.8 million has been set aside for prize money alone. ANFA has allotted a total of Rs 40 million budget for three tier Leagues with Rs 10.5 million cash prize alone.

President Thapa said that his association was considering to organise the National League on home and away system but they were compelled to make it a single-leg event due to unavailability of the grounds. “We have not abandoned our idea of organising it on the double leg system,” said Thapa adding that the impending AFC Challenge Cup finals here in March have forced them to withdraw their original plan.

In all, 10 teams — top eight ‘A’ Division outfits from Kathmandu Valley and two regional teams — will participate in the National League to be held in Pokhara and Butwal. Pokhara will host 22 matches from December 30 to January 9 next year, while the remaining 23 matches will be played at the FIFA Technical Centre in Butwal from January 11-23.

‘A’ Division League champions Nepal Police Club, Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club, Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club, Mega Three Star Club, Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club, New Road Team, Ranipokhari Corner Team and Tribhuvan Army Club will be joined by the regional champions Mitra Milan Club of Dharan and runners-up Sangam Club of Pokhara in the league.

Himal...