KATHMANDU:- Nepal captain Sabitra Bhandari has revealed she has not received administrative backing from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for her latest injury, despite the governing body having previously overseen her treatment abroad.
The record goalscorer, known as “Samba”, has been sidelined for seven weeks after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A‑League. She was hurt during a match against Brisbane Roar, with medical reports confirming a torn ACL graft and damage to the MCL. Doctors have indicated she will be out of action for at least nine months.
Complex surgery is required, with costs estimated at around USD 80,000 (approximately Rs. 11.5 million).
This is not the first time Bhandari has faced such a setback. Four and a half years ago she sustained a similar injury while representing the Armed Police Force against Nepal Police Club in the domestic league.
On that occasion, ANFA arranged treatment in Qatar through its partnership with the Qatar Football Association, enabling her to undergo surgery at the renowned Aspetar hospital.
Bhandari has now stated that ANFA has declined to provide administrative assistance. Writing on social media, she expressed frustration at the lack of support:
“Had ANFA understood the seriousness of my injury, I would already have undergone surgery and begun physiotherapy. Instead, I am still left struggling to arrange treatment.”
The striker, who has won 59 international caps for Nepal, said ANFA had offered a limited cash contribution of up to NPR 500,000 but refused to manage the process, leaving her to seek help independently.
She emphasised her wish to undergo surgery at Aspetar, where she had previously been treated, but noted that insurance payouts from Wellington Phoenix would not cover the full cost of surgery and rehabilitation.
Calling the situation the toughest battle of her career, Bhandari wrote, “I never imagined I would face such a situation. Even ANFA, which I had regarded as a guardian, has stepped back, leaving only the supporters to stand with me.
“Hearing the argument within ANFA that I was injured while playing for a club has been deeply discouraging. Yet I have always given one hundred per cent for my country and remain ready to do so in the future.”
She added that the financial burden of treatment far exceeds anything she has earned in her career to date. “That is why I am appealing to you for help. I hope the necessary support for my treatment will be gathered soon. And if I, as the national team captain who has played in Europe, must face such circumstances, imagine what others go through.
“I have consistently raised my voice on these issues, but fate has once again placed me in this position. I have always given my all for Nepal, and I am determined to return to the pitch wearing the national jersey once again. But I cannot do it without your support.”