 with immediate effect over violations related to third-party interference.){kind=link}
In a major disciplinary action, FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect over violations related to third-party interference. The decision, announced by world football’s governing body, strips ANFA of its membership rights and bars both national and club teams from participating in international competitions until further notice.
The suspension comes after a prolonged governance dispute in Nepali football, which has seen repeated administrative conflicts involving national sports authorities. Earlier, Nepal’s National Sports Council had temporarily suspended ANFA for three months, although that decision was later revoked. However, FIFA maintained that continued violations of its statutes warranted stronger action.
In its official statement, FIFA cited breaches of Article 14 of its statutes, which governs member associations’ obligations and prohibits undue interference by external parties. The governing body confirmed that the Bureau of the Council had decided to suspend ANFA with immediate effect due to “flagrant violations” linked to third-party interference.
“Consequently, with effect from 24 June 2026, ANFA has lost all of its membership rights, as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, until further notice. ANFA representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted,” FIFA stated in its circular.
The suspension has wide-ranging consequences for Nepalese football. National teams and club sides from Nepal will no longer be eligible to participate in tournaments organised by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Additionally, ANFA and its affiliated members will lose access to development funding, training programs, and official FIFA-AFC support systems.
FIFA further clarified that all development-related assistance, including courses and training initiatives, has been suspended for ANFA and its officials. The governing body also reminded member associations and stakeholders to avoid any sporting contact with ANFA while the suspension remains in place.
The statement added that the suspension could be lifted at any time by the FIFA Council or the Bureau of the Council prior to the next FIFA Congress, depending on compliance with statutory requirements and governance reforms.
According to FIFA regulations, member associations are held responsible for ensuring compliance with governing statutes, even in cases where third-party interference is involved. The body emphasized that negligence or misconduct by officials within a federation can result in sanctions against the entire association.
The decision marks a significant setback for Nepalese football, effectively halting its participation in international competition and putting future development programs on hold until governance issues are resolved.