FIFA suspends All Nepal Football Association with until further notice
Zurich, June 25
FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect and until further notice, dealing a major blow to football in the country.
"We hereby inform you that, as a result of the decision taken by the Bureau of the Council on 24 June 2026, ANFA has been suspended until further notice in accordance with article 16 of the FIFA Statutes," the statement read.
As a result of the suspension, Nepal's national teams and clubs will be barred from participating in international competitions sanctioned by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The suspension also cuts off access to FIFA and AFC development programmes, training initiatives and educational courses for ANFA, its members and officials.
"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. 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," the statement added.
FIFA further stated that the sanction could be revoked before the next FIFA Congress if the circumstances leading to the suspension are resolved.
"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," the statement concluded.
— ANI
Reader Comments
FIFA is too quick to suspend smaller nations while turning a blind eye to bigger issues elsewhere. Why doesn't this same energy get applied to other federations with questionable practices? Just saying...
As someone who follows South Asian football closely, this is heartbreaking. Nepal has produced some talented players who now have no international platform. I hope the suspension gets lifted before the next FIFA Congress. The players don't deserve this.
This is what happens when politics interferes with sports administration. Our region needs to learn from such incidents. Clean administration should be the priority, not personal agendas. 🙏
Absolutely gutted for the Nepali players and fans. Development programmes being cut off will set them back years. FIFA should also consider the human cost before taking such drastic actions. The sport should unite, not divide.
Hope Nepal recovers from this soon. Our South Asian football community needs everyone strong. 🙏
While I feel for the players, FIFA has to maintain standards. If ANFA violated statutes, there must be consequences. The real tragedy is that Nepali football fans and players suffer because of administrative failures. Hope they resolve it fast.
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