FIFA has imposed an indefinite suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) following allegations of third-party interference, effectively cutting off Nepal's national teams and clubs from international football. The decision, announced on 24 June 2026, prohibits Nepalese teams from participating in any international competitions or accessing FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) development programmes.
Background of the Suspension
According to the Kathmandu Post, the Nepal National Sports Council refused to recognise an ANFA election, and the current executive committee, led by president Pankaj Bikram Nembang, has already completed its term. This led to accusations that ANFA was not operating independently, violating FIFA's statutes against third-party interference.
In a circular to member associations, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom stated: "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."
Consequences for Nepalese Football
The suspension means ANFA loses all membership rights under Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes. "ANFA representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted," Grafstrom added. Additionally, neither ANFA nor its members or officials can benefit from any development programmes, courses, or training from FIFA or the AFC.
FIFA also warned other associations not to engage in any sporting contact with ANFA or its teams during the suspension. The ban can be lifted at any time before the next FIFA Congress if conditions are met, according to the statement.
Precedents: Congo and Pakistan
Nepal is not the first nation to face such a ban. Congo was suspended in 2024 due to third-party interference in the Congolese Football Association, but the suspension was lifted in May 2025 after FIFA confirmed the federation's independence. Similarly, the Pakistan Football Federation was banned for failing to adopt a constitution ensuring fair elections; the ban ended in March 2025 after FIFA and the AFC approved a new constitution ratified by the PFF Congress.
