FIFA suspends Nepal Football Association over third-party interference
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Lausanne: The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect over violations of FIFA Statutes related to interference by a third party.
The decision was taken following a prolonged dispute over the governance of Nepali football. Earlier, Nepal’s National Sports Council had suspended ANFA for three months, though the decision was later revoked.
"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 in accordance with article 14 paragraphs 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes," FIFA said in a statement.
"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 said in a circular.
The suspension means Nepal’s national teams and clubs will no longer be allowed to participate in competitions organised by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). ANFA, its member bodies, and officials will also lose access to FIFA and AFC funding.
"This also means that neither ANFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, we would remind you and your affiliates not to enter into any sporting contact with ANFA and/or its teams while ANFA is suspended.
"Finally, the Bureau of the Council or the FIFA Council may lift this suspension at any time before the next FIFA Congress takes place. Should this occur, we will inform you accordingly," FIFA added.
According to Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, which outlines the obligations of member associations, any violation of these responsibilities can result in sanctions, even if the third-party interference was not caused by the concerned member association.
Each member association remains responsible to FIFA for any actions by members of its bodies resulting from gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
With IANS inputs