Instead, it acts as a qualifying round for Thimphu, with the top clubs in that competition qualifying for that season's National League competition. This league attracted several other teams from Punakha, Phuentsholing and Samtse although, whilst the A-Division teams have remained constant, there has been a degree of change between the regional competing clubs to date. Clubs from outside Thimphu have proved to be competitive however, with Ugyen Academy winning the league in 2013 and becoming the first Bhutanese club from outside the capital city to compete in continental competition. It is hoped that in the coming years the National League will involve teams from across the whole country. Bhutan made their first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup entering the qualifiers for the 2018 edition and winning their first ever qualifying match against Sri Lanka in the Preliminary Round. In preparation for their qualifying campaign, and in an attempt to improve the overall standard of football in the country and attract more players, the Bhutan Football Federation offered a monthly salary of Nu 10,000 to all players in the main national squad who are not currently on federation scholarships. Current players in the national squad responded to this favourably noting that up to that point parents did not encourage their children to look to football as a career as there was no money in it. Despite the fact that Bhutan is one of the weakest teams in the world from both a domestic and a national perspective, the sport continues to enjoy huge popularity throughout the country. When the World Cup trophy was brought to Bhutan prior to the 2014 World Cup as part of a ninety-country tour by FIFA, thousands gathered at Changlimithang just to glimpse it. Even though this popular support for the game exists, clubs still struggle financially, with greater interest in European leagues than domestic competition. Little to no income is generated from the paltry crowds that attend domestic fixtures, as entry is normally free. Instead clubs are reliant on the generosity and passion of individuals to finance clubs, with the football federation only able to provide clubs with Nu 100,000 per season and Nu 20,000 for travel expenses, so professional players are a rarity in the country. Attempts to bring in foreign players were often stymied by stringent immigration rules, although when applications have been successful, there has been a significant increase in attendances as spectators went to see the foreign player. Financial restrictions also have a detrimental effect on the progress of the national team. The Nu 4,000 stipend paid to international footballers was withdrawn by the Bhutan Football Federation, and players such as Yeshey Dorji were forced to retire from international football in order to concentrate on a career outside of the game, as he could not afford to take the required leave from his normal job to travel to matches.