World football governing body FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect over what it described as “undue third-party interference” in the administration of football in the country.
The decision bars Nepal from participating in all FIFA-sanctioned international competitions and programs until the suspension is lifted.
FIFA Cites Violation of Statutes
In a letter addressed to ANFA, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said the suspension was approved due to what the organization described as serious breaches of FIFA regulations governing the independence of national football associations.
According to FIFA, the dispute stems from disagreements between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council regarding the governance and administration of football in the country.
FIFA rules require national football federations to operate independently without interference from government agencies or external bodies.
The governing body said ANFA had been suspended “with immediate effect” due to what it termed flagrant violations of FIFA Statutes.
Dispute Linked to Football Elections
The crisis is linked to ANFA’s delayed electoral process.
Nepal’s National Sports Council reportedly suspended the football association in March 2026 for three months while preparations were underway for elections that had received backing from both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Although the suspension was later lifted in May, disagreements persisted over the conduct of the elections and proposed amendments to ANFA’s statutes under Nepal’s sports development laws.
The electoral congress required to elect new football administrators has been postponed multiple times amid the dispute.
Nepal Faces International Football Ban
The suspension means Nepal’s national teams and clubs are temporarily barred from participating in international football competitions organized by FIFA and other affiliated bodies.
The country is currently ranked 175th in the FIFA men’s world rankings, while Nepal’s women’s national team occupies 88th position globally.
Beyond competitive football, the suspension also affects FIFA-funded development projects, coaching courses, training programs, and other football development initiatives in the country.
ANFA Reacts to FIFA Sanction
Reacting to the development, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah described the suspension as a serious setback for football in Nepal.
He said the association had begun consultations with relevant stakeholders to resolve the dispute and secure the restoration of Nepal’s membership privileges.
“The suspension is a matter of serious concern. We are engaging all stakeholders with the goal of lifting the sanction while prioritizing the future of football in Nepal,” Shah said.
He added that the decision would significantly affect players and aspiring footballers by limiting their opportunities to compete and develop internationally.
Conditions for Lifting the Suspension
FIFA stated that the suspension could be lifted if Nepal’s National Sports Council withdraws the decisions that led to the dispute and allows ANFA to complete its electoral process without interference.
The global football body maintains that restoring the independence of the football association is essential before Nepal can be reinstated.
Meanwhile, officials of the National Sports Council have expressed a willingness to explore solutions to end the impasse.
A member secretary of the council, Ram Charitra Mehta, said the government did not intend for the situation to escalate and was seeking alternative ways to resolve the crisis.