Sports Law and Registration in Nepal: Complete 2025 Guide

Legal Framework for Sports in Nepal

Nepal’s sports sector is governed by:
✔ National Sports Council Act, 2019
✔ National Sports Policy, 2077
✔ Association Registration Act, 2034

Types of Sports Entities & Registration Process

1. Sports Association Registration

2. Required Documents

• For Associations:
• Constitution/statutes
• List of executive members
• NSC approval letter
• PAN of office bearers
• For Clubs:
• Player registration forms
• Facility details
• Municipal approval

Athlete Registration & Licensing

National Athlete Card

✔ Mandatory for professional competitors
✔ Issued by National Sports Council
✔ Requirements:

• Citizenship copy
• Medical fitness certificate
• Association recommendation

International Participation Process

1. National team selection through trials
2. Ministry of Youth & Sports approval
3. Visa processing with Olympic committee endorsement

Sports Facility Regulations

Approval Requirements

✔ Safety certification from NSC
✔ Environmental clearance for large stadiums
✔ Accessibility compliance for disabled athletes

Commercial Sports Centers

• Additional business registration required
• Tax obligations: 25% corporate tax rate
• VAT registration if turnover > NPR 2M

Key Sports Laws & Athlete Rights

1. Anti-Doping Regulations

✔ Follows WADA Code
✔ Testing by National Doping Control Lab
✔ Penalties:

• 4-year ban for first offense
• Lifetime ban for repeat violations

2. Contractual Obligations

• Standard player contracts mandated
• Minimum 10% of earnings as advance
• Dispute resolution through Sports Arbitration Tribunal

3. Intellectual Property

✔ Jersey/branding rights protection
✔ Media rights management rules
✔ Image rights for professional athletes

Funding & Taxation

Government Support

• Annual grants for registered associations
• Tax exemptions for sports equipment imports
• High-performance athlete scholarships

Sponsorship Rules

✔ 15% withholding tax on sponsorship money
✔ Mandatory transparency reports to NSC

Recent Reforms (2024 Updates)

✔ E-sports recognition under NSC
✔ Stricter athlete welfare policies
✔ Online registration portal for associations
✔ Gender quota (33% female representation in boards)

FAQs About Sports Registration

1. Can foreigners establish sports clubs?

→ Yes, but needs 51% Nepali membership

2. How to register as professional athlete?

→ Through national sports association

3. What’s the penalty for unregistered competitions?

→ NPR 100,000 fine + event cancellation

4. Are sports winnings taxable?

→ Exempted for recognized competitions

5. How to get sports equipment tax-free?

→ NSC recommendation required

Pro Tips for Sports Entities

✔ Maintain proper financial records
✔ Conduct annual athlete medical checks
✔ Obtain event insurance for tournaments
✔ Use NSC’s athlete development programs

Need Assistance? Contact:

• National Sports Council: ☎ 01-4378806
• Sports Ministry: ☎ 01-4200738

💡 Build a legally compliant sports organization in Nepal! ⚽🏏