FIFA has suspended Nepal’s football governing body, the All Nepal Football Association, with immediate effect, effectively excluding the country from all international football activities.
The decision, announced on Thursday, stems from what FIFA described as interference by external authorities in the administration of football in Nepal.
Nepal currently occupies 175th place in FIFA’s men’s world rankings, while its women’s team is ranked 88th globally.
In a letter addressed to ANFA, FIFA cited disputes between the association and Nepal’s National Sports Council, the government agency responsible for sports administration, over the governance of football in the country.
FIFA maintains that member associations must function independently without influence from government institutions.
FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, stated in the letter, which was later shared by ANFA on Facebook, that FIFA had decided on Wednesday “to suspend ANFA with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes.”.
The conflict dates back to March 2026, when the National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months during preparations for elections that had already been approved by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
The suspension was eventually lifted in May.
However, the electoral process has continued to face setbacks, with the council issuing directives that included calls for amendments to ANFA’s statutes in line with Nepal’s sports development legislation.
Reacting to the suspension, ANFA spokesman Suresh Shah described the development as serious.
“The suspension is an issue of grave concern; we are consulting with all stakeholders to lift the suspension, keeping Nepal’s football in priority,” Shah told AFP.
As a result of the ban, Nepal’s national teams and clubs will be unable to participate in international competitions. The suspension also cuts off access to FIFA-funded development programmes, training opportunities and educational courses.
“It impacts our players, barring them from opportunities and dampens dreams of aspiring players,” Shah added.
FIFA indicated that the suspension could be lifted if the National Sports Council withdraws its March directives and allows ANFA to complete its election process without interference.
Responding to the situation, Ram Charitra Mehta, member secretary of the National Sports Council, said efforts were underway to find a solution.
“The government never wanted this… we are looking for alternative ways to address this crisis,” he said.
