Government Interference Triggers Full FIFA Suspension, Nepali Players Barred Worldwide

CONNECTICUT– Nepal’s football community has been hit with a sweeping international ban after the FIFA Bureau of the Council suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on June 24, 2026. The suspension followed FIFA’s conclusion that ANFA had committed “flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes” due to direct interference by Nepal’s National Sports Council (NSC), a government body.

FIFA stated that NSC’s involvement in ANFA’s election procedures, leadership decisions, and internal governance violated the global requirement that football associations must operate independently from government influence. As a result, ANFA lost all membership rights under Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes.

Nepali Players Banned from International Football

The suspension immediately blocks Nepal’s national teams, youth squads, and club teams from participating in any FIFA or AFC-sanctioned competitions. This includes:

• FIFA World Cup qualifiers
• AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
• SAFF Championship
• International friendly matches
• AFC club tournaments such as the AFC Cup and AFC Champions League
• Youth tournaments (U-17, U-20, U-23)
• Women’s international competitions

Nepali players are also prohibited from taking part in international training camps, friendly tours, and development programs organized by FIFA or AFC.

What Else Nepal Cannot Participate In

The suspension affects far more than just matches. Nepal is now barred from:

• FIFA and AFC development programs• Coaching courses
• Referee training
• Grassroots development
• Technical support missions

• FIFA funding and grants• Infrastructure projects
• Stadium upgrades
• Youth academies
• Women’s football development

• International football meetings and conferences• ANFA officials cannot attend FIFA Congress
• No participation in AFC committees or workshops

• International transfers and registration support• Nepali clubs face restrictions in registering foreign players
• Nepali players may face delays or complications in moving abroad

• Cross-border football cooperation• Other football associations are instructed not to engage with ANFA
• No bilateral friendly matches
• No joint training or exchange programs

 

Impact on Nepali Football

The ban has created uncertainty for thousands of players, coaches, and officials across Nepal. Domestic leagues may continue, but without international exposure, Nepali football risks falling behind in development, competitiveness, and global recognition.

FIFA has stated that the suspension may be lifted if the Nepal government withdraws its directives and allows ANFA to operate fully independently, including conducting its elections without political interference