The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect due to violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party.
FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect, citing serious violations of its statutes related to third-party interference in the governance of Nepali football.
The suspension follows a prolonged dispute involving ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council, which had earlier imposed a three-month suspension on the football body before later revoking the decision.
In a statement, FIFA said the Bureau of the Council had decided to suspend ANFA under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, which prohibits member associations from being influenced by external parties.
“The Bureau of the Council also decided to suspend the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party,” FIFA said.
As a result, ANFA has lost all membership rights with effect from June 24, 2026, until further notice. Nepal’s national teams and clubs will no longer be eligible to participate in international competitions organised by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The suspension also cuts off ANFA and its members from FIFA and AFC development programmes, training courses, financial assistance and other forms of institutional support.
“Neither ANFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and/or the AFC,” the governing body said, while also urging other member associations to avoid sporting contact with ANFA and its affiliated teams during the suspension period.
FIFA added that the suspension could be lifted before the next FIFA Congress if the circumstances leading to the sanction are resolved.
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, member associations are required to manage their affairs independently and free from external influence. FIFA also holds national associations accountable for actions taken by their officials if such conduct results from gross negligence or deliberate misconduct.
The decision represents a significant setback for Nepali football, with the country’s clubs and national teams now facing exclusion from all international competitions until FIFA is satisfied that its governance concerns have been addressed.