World football governing body FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), preventing the country’s national teams and clubs from participating in all international football competitions with immediate effect.
The decision was announced after FIFA concluded that there had been undue third-party interference in the administration of Nepal’s football federation, a violation of the organization’s statutes.
In a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, the governing body stated that the suspension followed what it described as “flagrant violations” of FIFA regulations governing the independence of national football associations.
The dispute stems from disagreements between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council over the governance and electoral process of the country’s football federation.
Earlier this year, the National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months while preparations were underway for elections that had already received approval from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Although the suspension was later lifted, disagreements over the association’s statutes and election process continued.
According to FIFA, national football associations must operate independently of government authorities, and any external interference in their administration violates the organization’s rules.
Reacting to the suspension, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah described the development as a major setback for football in the country.
He said the association was consulting with all relevant stakeholders in an effort to resolve the issues and have the suspension lifted as quickly as possible.
Shah noted that the sanction would significantly affect Nepal’s football development by denying players the opportunity to compete internationally while also cutting off access to FIFA development programmes, technical assistance, training courses, and funding initiatives.
Officials of Nepal’s National Sports Council also expressed concern over the decision, stating that efforts were underway to find a solution that would restore the country’s participation in international football.
FIFA indicated that the suspension would only be lifted after the National Sports Council withdraws the disputed directives and allows ANFA to independently complete its electoral process in accordance with FIFA statutes.