De Wilde Quits as Nepal Women's Team Coach After Dispute

Patrick De Wilde, the head coach of the Nepal national women’s football team, has resigned from his position. His resignation comes after the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) asked him for clarification regarding a recent incident that took place during the team’s tour in Uzbekistan for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

According to ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah, De Wilde was asked in an official letter to respond within a week and confirm whether he would return to Nepal and continue working with the team. However, he sent in his resignation before the deadline.

There were serious disagreements between De Wilde and team management in Uzbekistan, mainly over the selection of the team captain. Following that, he did not return to Nepal with the rest of the squad, who arrived about two weeks ago.

In interviews with media, De Wilde criticized ANFA’s weak management and spoke out about pressure being put on players. These remarks reportedly angered the ANFA leadership.

De Wilde had signed a one-year contract with ANFA but chose to resign within just one month. Under his coaching, Nepal remained unbeaten in three matches — with two wins and one draw. However, the team lost on penalties in the must-win game that would have secured them a place in the final round of the Asian Cup.

De Wilde was the first coach with a Pro License to lead the Nepali women's football team. ANFA will make an official decision on his resignation after its President Pankaj Bikram Nembang returns from abroad and holds a technical committee meeting.