2023 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League

The 2023 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League (Nepali: शहीद स्मारक ए डिभिजन लिग २०७९) was the 45th edition of Nepal's Martyr's Memorial A-Division League since its establishment in 1954–55. A total of 14 teams competed in the league.

Machhindra F.C. were the defending champions.

The league was scheduled to begin on 10 January 2023 but was pushed back to begin on 3 March 2023 due to a conflict between the All Nepal Football Association and the clubs regarding up-front payments.

On 6 June 2023, Church Boys United were crowned as league winners for the first time in club history, in what the Kathmandu Post called a "fairytale run," resulting in the team winning the title for three consecutive seasons after being promoted in the two years prior respectively. However, as the champions could not secure AFC club licensing, the second-placed team Machhindra F.C. qualified for the 2023–24 AFC Cup preliminary round 1.

The season would also be the first time that one of Nepal's three departmental clubs consisting of outfits of the Army, the Police and the Armed Police Force would be relegated, with the last team coming second to last and being relegated to the Martyr's Memorial B-Division League.

Participating teams

The following 14 teams competed in the Martyr's Memorial A-Division League in the 2022–23 season, with 12 teams from the previous season and Church Boys United and FC Khumaltar promoted from the 2022 B-Division League.

Location

Personnel and kits

Foreign players

All Nepal Football Association has allowed a maximum of four foreign players including two from Asian country per team.

Head coaching changes

Venues

The league was played in two cities in the Kathmandu Valley. <div class="center">

</div>

Regular season

League table

<onlyinclude></onlyinclude>

Results

1st Round

2nd Round

Positions by round

Results by games

Season statistics

Scoring

Top Goal Scorers

As of 10 June 2023

Hat-tricks

• ⁵ Player scored 5 goals

Clean Sheets

As of 10 June 2023

Awards

End-of-Season Awards

Controversy

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) sanctioned Sankata BSC for delaying the kick-off of their match against Nepal APF FC and the latter club for delaying the kick-off of the second half of the game.

FC Khumaltar was also sanctioned for breaking locker-room chairs after a 7–3 loss to Machhindra FC at Chyasal Stadium.

After attempting to "attack" a referee following a 1–1 draw against New Road Team, players of Machhindra FC were sanctioned by ANFA.

Notes

References