How FIFA’s suspension is pushing Nepali football towards a lost generation

Football enthusiasts across Nepal find little to celebrate as FIFA has imposed an indefinite suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). This unprecedented crisis stems from 'third-party interference' by the National Sports Council, a move FIFA deems a violation of member association independence. The ban halts Nepal’s international football activities and deepens uncertainty for a sport already plagued by internal disputes.

The suspension has shaken players, coaches, and administrators whose careers depend on regular competition. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Ministry of Education and Sports has struggled to convince stakeholders of a clear plan to end the impasse. Minister Sasmit Pokharel acknowledged government interference in ANFA’s affairs but offered no concrete roadmap for lifting the suspension. He remarked that Nepal should show promise even if it doesn't play in the World Cup and lamented the absence of regular league football, comments that drew criticism from observers.

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Nepali football cannot go any lower than it already has.

Under FIFA statutes, ANFA’s leadership is elected through affiliated clubs and district associations, not government appointments. The minister’s suggestion to include former players and contributors overlooks this electoral structure. Furthermore, participation in World Cup qualifiers is essential for member associations to maintain international standing and FIFA rankings. For many in Nepali football, the government’s statements suggest policymakers underestimate the suspension's significance.

National team players are hesitant to speak publicly, but one, speaking anonymously, urged all sides to set aside personal interests for the sake of Nepali football. This suspension, the first in Nepal’s football history, not only bars international competition but also freezes FIFA funding, raising fears of a 'lost generation' of players unable to develop their careers.

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Whatever has happened has already happened. Now everyone should put aside their own interests and work together to resolve the dispute for the sake of Nepali football.