Nepal National League
Football league
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The National League (formally known as Red Bull National League) is a club-level football competition in Nepal. The champions used to secure qualification to the AFC Challenge League (previously the AFC President's Cup and the AFC Cup). The franchise-based Nepal Super League took place for two seasons, in 2011–12 and 2015. The Martyr's Memorial A-Division League is still the highest level league in Nepal.
| Organising body | ANFA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011–12 |
| Country | Nepal |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of clubs | 17 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| International cup | AFC Challenge League |
| Current champions | Three Star Club (1st title) (2015) |
| Most championships | Nepal Police Club Three Star Club (1 title) |
| Broadcaster(s) | MSM |
| Website | the-anfa.com |
| Current: 2026 ANFA National League | |
Due to the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, the 2015 season was halted for several months, as professional level football was paused in Nepal due to the earthquake's aftermath, until the next season of the 2018–19 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League.[1]
History
The first season of National League was played in a single round-robin format in the first season in a single venue. The top eight teams from the 2011 A-Division League were joined by two invitational teams from outside the Kathmandu Valley. A-Division champions Nepal Police Club won the league undefeated and became the inaugural National League champions.[2]
The second season was played after a hiatus of three years in a double round-robin format with teams playing home and away. The top 10 teams from the 2013-14 A-Division League were joined by four teams from outside the Kathmandu Valley. Sankata BSC pulled out of the tournament and Machhindra, Himalayan Sherpa Club, Saraswati Youth Club and Friends Club were banned by ANFA and the league was played by nine teams. The 2015 season of the League was heavily affected by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, with play being suspended for several months.[3] Three Star Club won the league winning their first National League title.[4]
The third season of the National League was scheduled to be played in April 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The top six teams from the 2019-20 A-Division League will be joined by the top four teams from the ANFA President's League in the ten team league.[5][6]
Current clubs
| Club | City | Province | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| APF FC | Kathmandu (Hallchowk) | Bagmati | Current A Division Clubs |
| Church Boys United | Lalitpur (Balkumari) | ||
| Friends Club | Lalitpur (Kupondole) | ||
| Jawalakhel Youth Club | Lalitpur (Jawalakhel) | ||
| Machhindra FC | Kathmandu (Jana bahal) | ||
| Manang Marshyangdi Club | Kathmandu (Swyambhu) | ||
| Nepal Police Club | Kathmandu (Maharajgunj) | ||
| New Road Team | Kathmandu (New Road) | ||
| Planning Boyz United | Budhanilkantha (Kapan) | ||
| Sankata FC | Kathmandu (Te Bahal) | ||
| Satdobato YC | Lalitpur (Satdobato) | ||
| Shree Bhagwati Club | Tokha | ||
| Tribhuwan Army F.C. | Kathmandu (Bhadrakali) | ||
| Chitlang FC | Kathmandu | 2nd in 2025 ANFA President League | |
| Kakrebihar YC | Birendranagar | Karnali | 4th in 2025 ANFA President League |
| Laligurans AFC | Pokhara | Gandaki | 1st in 2025 ANFA President League |
| Nawa Janajagriti YC | Simara | Madhesh | 3rd in 2025 ANFA President League |
Former clubs
| Club | Location | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Sherpa Club | Kathmandu | 2011–12 |
| Ranipokhari Corner Team | ||
| Mitra Milan Club | Dharan, Sunsari | |
| Sangam Club | Pokhara, Kaski | |
| Far Western FC | Dhangadhi, Kailali | 2015 |
| Jhapa XI | Birtamod, Jhapa | |
| Lumbini F.C. | Butwal, Rupandehi | |
| Morang XI | Biratnagar, Morang | |
| Three Star Club | Kathmandu |
Champions
| Season | Champions |
|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Nepal Police Club |
| 2015 | Three Star Club |
National League clubs in Asia
| Season | AFC President's Cup | Position | AFC Cup | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Nepal Police Club | 3rd in Group Stage | Did not qualify | |
| 2017 | Competition disbanded | Three Star Club | 1st in Qualifying Round[a] | |
1 The All Nepal Football Association failed to register Three Star Club by the competition deadline for the qualifying play-offs.[7]
Lower levels
In its initial season, the Nepal National League also hosted a second division, 2012 B-Division National League made up with the 2011 Martyr's Memorial B-Division League top six, and two clubs qualified through a separate tournament.[8][9]
Third tier
The 2012 C-Division National League made up with the 2011 Martyr's Memorial C-Division League top four, and two clubs qualified through a separate tournament.[10]