FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), banning Nepal from all international football competitions over what it described as “undue interference by a third party” in the country’s football administration.
The world football governing body said the decision was taken due to “flagrant violations of FIFA statutes,” following disputes between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council over control and governance of the sport.
FIFA said national football bodies must remain independent of government influence, adding that repeated delays in ANFA’s electoral process contributed to the suspension.
Nepal is currently ranked 175th in the FIFA men’s rankings, while its women’s team sits 88th.
The suspension also means Nepal will lose access to FIFA development programmes, training and competitions until the issue is resolved.
FIFA said the ban could be lifted if the National Sports Council reverses earlier decisions and allows ANFA to complete its electoral process.
ANFA officials say they are in consultation with stakeholders to resolve the crisis, warning that the suspension could hurt players’ development and international opportunities.
A sports council official said efforts were ongoing to find alternative solutions, stressing that the government did not intend for the situation to escalate.
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