Nepal’s football activities on the international stage have been brought to a halt after FIFA imposed a suspension on the country’s football governing body, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
The move follows a prolonged disagreement involving ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council regarding the administration of football affairs in the country. FIFA maintains that football federations must remain free from government influence and has cited external involvement in ANFA’s operations as the reason for the sanction.
In an official communication, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström announced that the world football body had taken immediate action against ANFA for violating key regulations governing member associations.
The controversy dates back to March when Nepal’s Sports Council temporarily removed ANFA’s authority for three months during preparations for leadership elections that had received backing from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. Although the measure was later reversed, disagreements persisted over election arrangements and governance reforms.
Reacting to the development, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah said the organisation is engaging relevant parties in an effort to restore Nepal’s membership status and safeguard the future of football in the country.
As a result of the suspension, Nepalian teams and clubs will be unable to compete in FIFA-recognised events. The football association will also be cut off from development funding, technical support initiatives, educational programmes and training opportunities provided by FIFA.
Shah expressed concern over the impact on athletes, noting that the decision deprives players of valuable opportunities while discouraging many young people hoping to build careers in the sport.
FIFA stated that normal membership privileges could be restored if the Sports Council withdraws actions that interfered with ANFA’s administration and allows the electoral process to proceed independently.
On the government side, National Sports Council representative Ram Charitra Mehta said authorities are seeking solutions to resolve the dispute and prevent further damage to Nepal’s football sector.
Nepal currently occupies 175th position in the men’s FIFA rankings, while the women’s national side is placed 88th in the world.
