International football governing body Fifa has pledged $850,000 for construction and renovation of football infrastructure in Nepal.

Fifa Development Officer Shaji Prabhakaran informed during a press conference that world football governing body will provide the All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) with $600,000 for laying artificial turf at the Anfa Technical Centre in Chyasal. The rest of the amount will go to the reconstruction and renovation of infrastructure in the earthquake affected areas.  

On August 27, Anfa had signed an agreement with the National Sports Council (NSC) to construct an international standard stadium in Chyasal—which is currently in a dilapidated state—with a crowd capacity of 10,000-15,000 inside 15 months. Anfa Acting President Narendra Shrestha said they will work in identifying areas on which to mobilise the fund given in two separate categories. “Fifa will provide us all the technical assistance in both the projects and we will help them in getting the details on where the amount will be used,” said Shrestha.

Prabhakaran also handed over football equipments to Anfa that are supposed to be distributed at 14 earthquake affected districts. The kits, worth $100,000, includes 335 footballs, 196 boots, 150 mini goal, 144 bags, 150 track suits, 145 watches, 198 referee kits and 200 kit bags.

Prabhakaran expected the kits to be distributed through effective programmes. “I believe this equipment will be distributed through various programmes such as coaching, refereeing courses and grassroots activities. He also indicated more Fifa assistance in future.