Global football governing body FIFA has issued an immediate suspension against the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), resulting in the nation’s exclusion from all international sporting events. This move follows allegations of unwarranted third-party involvement in the administration of the sport.
The root of the conflict lies in recurring disputes between ANFA and the National Sports Council, which oversees sports administration in Nepal. FIFA maintains strict regulations requiring national football organizations to function autonomously, free from government oversight. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom communicated that the suspension was prompted by blatant breaches of official statutes.
Previously, the National Sports Council had suspended ANFA for three months in March 2026, creating significant obstacles for an agreed-upon election process. While that specific action was reversed in May, subsequent delays in holding the elective congress—compounded by council mandates regarding the amendment of statutes—led to this current crisis. ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah noted that the association is actively consulting with stakeholders to resolve the situation, emphasizing the negative impact on players’ careers and international growth opportunities. FIFA indicated the ban would be rescinded provided the council retracts its earlier directives and permits the association to conclude its electoral proceedings.
