Kathmandu: Nepali football has suffered its biggest setback in history as world football governing body FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) indefinitely, effectively isolating Nepal from international football.
The decision comes at a time when football fans around the world are enjoying the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA said it suspended ANFA under Article 16 of its Statutes, citing third-party interference in the affairs of the national football association. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, although FIFA stated it could be lifted at any time if the required conditions are met.
Government-ANFA Dispute Behind the Suspension
The suspension follows a prolonged dispute between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council (NSC) over ANFA’s decision to hold an early election. While FIFA recognized the election, the NSC argued that it did not comply with Nepal’s legal framework and suspended ANFA for three months earlier this year.
Although the suspension was later lifted after negotiations involving the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the NSC and ANFA, tensions persisted.
The situation escalated when ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai were reportedly prevented from leaving Nepal to attend the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico because their names remained on the immigration department’s blacklist. FIFA is understood to have viewed the incident as evidence of government interference in football administration.
Nepal Barred from International Football
The suspension marks the first time Nepal has been suspended by FIFA since becoming a member in 1970.
As a result, Nepal’s men’s, women’s and youth national teams, along with all Nepali football clubs, are barred from participating in FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions until the suspension is lifted.
ANFA has also lost its voting rights within FIFA and AFC, while Nepali coaches, referees, officials and football administrators will be excluded from international training, education and development programs.
Millions in Development Funding Frozen
The suspension is also expected to have serious financial consequences.
ANFA receives around US$2 million annually in development funding—approximately US$1.5 million from FIFA and an additional US$500,000 from the AFC. With the suspension in place, these funds will be frozen, affecting grassroots football, coaching and referee education, infrastructure development and other football development projects across Nepal.
Former ANFA Chief Blames Leadership Failure
Former ANFA President Narendra Shrestha said the crisis was the result of poor coordination and leadership failures among the concerned stakeholders.
He argued that the election dispute could have been resolved through dialogue but was allowed to escalate because of ego and a lack of compromise. According to Shrestha, Nepal failed to strike a balance between complying with national laws and FIFA regulations, ultimately leading to the suspension.
What Happens Next?
Football experts believe FIFA could appoint a Normalization Committee to oversee reforms in Nepal. Such committees are typically tasked with revising statutes, restructuring football governance and organizing free and fair elections before handing control to a newly elected executive committee.
Only after these reforms are completed is FIFA expected to consider lifting the suspension.
The suspension has placed the future of Nepali football in uncertainty, leaving players, clubs, coaches and supporters facing significant challenges. Resolving the crisis will require coordinated efforts between the Government of Nepal, the National Sports Council, ANFA and FIFA to restore Nepal’s place in international football.
