Kathmandu: Former president of Three Star Club, Arun Man Joshi, resigned from his position as Deputy General Secretary of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on Wednesday. His resignation comes in protest against the club’s relegation to the second division—more than two years after the conclusion of the ‘A’ Division League.

The ANFA Appeal Committee, on Thursday, upheld a complaint filed by Nepal APF Club, which had been relegated after finishing second from the bottom in the league standings. The committee ruled that Three Star Club had fielded two ineligible players in their final league match against Jawalakhel Youth Club on June 10, 2023. Jawalakhel had lost that match 1-0.

APF had appealed to reverse the result to a 3-0 victory in favor of Jawalakhel. Acting on the appeal, the committee overturned the original outcome, resulting in Three Star Club’s relegation and APF Club’s reinstatement in the top division.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Joshi wrote in his resignation letter to ANFA President Pankaj Nembang. “The ANFA Appeal Committee altered the match result based on a complaint from APF Club—a team not even directly involved in the match. The same incident had already been dealt with earlier, with fines imposed on the ineligible players. Can ANFA impose disciplinary action twice for the same offense?”

Joshi also questioned the delay in the committee’s decision-making process, stating it raised concerns about ANFA’s motives. “Why did the Appeal and Disciplinary Committees take so long to decide? It invites suspicion about ANFA’s intentions,” he added.

Citing media interviews, Joshi pointed out that then-FIFA Connect Officer Amit Khatri had claimed he registered the ineligible players under instructions from the ANFA Secretariat. “Why did the Secretariat recommend such registrations?” Joshi asked.

“Given ANFA’s biased and unjust actions against Three Star Club, I no longer find it ethically appropriate to continue serving as Deputy General Secretary—especially when disciplinary action has been taken against the very club I represent,” Joshi wrote. “I intend to stand with Three Star Club in any steps it takes moving forward. I hereby tender my resignation, effective immediately, and request its formal approval.”