Kathmandu, Feb. 25 -- Nepali football fans were left in dismay on Monday afternoon when Sabitra Bhandari 'Samba', the country's most accomplished footballer, posted an unusually long status on Facebook, pleading for financial aid for her treatment.

Samba had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during her club Wellington Phoenix FC's Ninja A-League fixture against Brisbane Roar on January 3. With the club announcing that Samba would be sidelined for almost a year for treatment, the fans were anticipating news about Samba's successful surgery.

But instead, they were treated with Samba's call for help. She had requested $80,000 in support after her insurance from the A-League, and minimal support from the All Ne...