Bhutan will host the Nepal vs Kuwait match, FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers at the Changlimithang National Stadium on 19th of this month. The match scheduled to be played in Kathmandu was shifted after AFC declared the Kathmandu-based Dasharath Stadium unsuitable for the match due to the ongoing reconstruction of the stadium.
The National Sports Council of Nepal is currently renovating the stadium for the upcoming South Asian Games to be held in the country. After the declaration of the under-construction Dasharath Stadium in Nepal unsuitable for the Asian Qualifiers ties between Nepal and Kuwait by AFC, the All Nepal Football Association was forced to find a neutral venue for the match.
“AFC and FIFA had an issue with the stadium and ground standard in Nepal and we being the immediate neighbour to Nepal, they requested Bhutan to host it and we agreed because it was a good opportunity for us to have such international tournament here and for the development of football. And also we can give our people the pleasure of watching the big teams coming here and play,” said the BFF’s Head of Commercial and Communications Phuntsho Wangdi.
He added works to host the second round of the qualifiers between the two teams are in full swing at the Changlimithang National Stadium.
However, as per certain reports, it says Kuwait is reluctant to play in Thimphu considering the long travel, cold weather and high altitude.
The first round of the qualifiers saw Kuwait thrashing Nepal 7-0 in September.
Passang Dorji
