Kathmandu, March 29 -- The Nepali squad to face Laos in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers-Third Round on March 31 left for the Land of a Million Elephants on Saturday, the All Nepal Football Association revealed via Facebook on Saturday evening.

The match against Laos appeared uncertain after the National Sports Council suspended ANFA on Wednesday.

The Nepali squad left for Laos in secrecy, with the complete list of players and officials unknown, a step that sheds light on the difficult times ahead for Nepali football.

Officials say that ANFA also risks suspension from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the global football governing body, over 'third-party interference'. The fears are not unjustified as FIFA ...