FIFA suspends ANFA over third-party interference

FIFA has imposed an indefinite suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), sidelining Nepal from international football. The world governing body cited third-party interference in ANFA's affairs as the reason for the decision, which was made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on June 24.

This suspension bars Nepal's national teams and clubs from all competitions organized by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Furthermore, ANFA, its member bodies, and officials will lose access to crucial funding, development programs, training, and educational courses until the ban is lifted.

The move stems from a protracted conflict over the governance of Nepali football. The National Sports Council had previously suspended ANFA for three months, though that decision was later reversed. The dispute intensified when the Sports Council refused to recognize ANFA's planned elections, forcing their postponement. With the current ANFA executive committee's tenure expired, the organization faces a significant leadership vacuum and an unclear path forward.

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The decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council took place on June 24. The world governing body cited third-party interference in the affairs of ANFA as the reason for the suspension.