Nepali football in free fall as FIFA ban, league shutdown drive players away

Nepali football faces an unprecedented crisis, with the top-tier domestic league suspended for over 1,100 days and the national federation banned by FIFA. This prolonged inactivity has driven numerous players to abandon the sport and seek employment overseas, signaling a potential death knell for the nation's most popular game.

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I don’t think Nepali football has ever hit a lower point.

Bal Gopal Maharjan, a veteran coach and former player, describes the current situation as the lowest point in Nepali football history, surpassing even periods of internal factionalism. He expresses deep concern over the regression of competitive standards, noting that Nepal once consistently challenged for titles at the South Asian level. The FIFA ban, imposed due to alleged third-party interference in the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), has brought all footballing activities to a standstill, leaving stakeholders in silence.

The lack of regular matches not only risks losing players but also severely impacts the overall quality of football. Maharjan warns that the national team's performance will inevitably suffer as players depart, diminishing their ability to compete effectively in regional tournaments. The national men's team last played an international match in March 2026, and preparations for the upcoming SAFF Championship have been completely disrupted.

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At the South Asian level, we could at least go toe-to-toe and mount a strong challenge. We entered every tournament as title contenders. That might no longer be the case. As players leave, it will directly hit performance levels.

Head coach Guglielmo Arena had arrived in Kathmandu for the SAFF Championship, scheduled for November 4-17 in Dhaka, but resigned citing the FIFA ban and the uncertain future of football in Nepal. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is reportedly waiting for FIFA's decision on lifting the ban, potentially leading to the championship being held without Nepal for the first time. This ongoing turmoil leaves remaining players lacking crucial match exposure and experience, impacting the mental aspect of the game and affecting coaches and referees as well.

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Football isn’t just played on the pitch. It’s a mental game.