FIFA Suspends ANFA Until Further Notice Over Third-Party Interference

On June 24, 2026, the Bureau of the FIFA Council suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) until further notice, citing third-party interference in the affairs of the national football federation. After suspension, ANFA lost all its membership rights under Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes and its representative teams and affiliated clubs are no longer entitled to participate in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.

The suspension has also barred Nepal’s national teams and clubs from participating in FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The members or officials will also not benefit from any development programmes, courses, or training offered by FIFA and/or the AFC.

According to news reports, the suspension followed a governance dispute between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council. The reports state that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had urged the NSC to revoke its suspension of ANFA and warned that continued intervention in the affairs of the football association could constitute third-party interference under the FIFA Statutes.

The news reports further mention that the Bureau of the Council initiated the suspension immediately due to flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party in accordance with Articles 14(1)(i) and 14(3) of the FIFA Statutes. The suspension was imposed under Articles 14 and 16 of the FIFA Statutes, which set out member association obligations and the consequences of non-compliance.

In the circular, FIFA has reminded its members and affiliates not to enter into any sporting contact with ANFA or its teams during the period of suspension. The suspension has been imposed until further notice and will remain in force until FIFA determines that the circumstances giving rise to the suspension have been remedied. FIFA will notify its member associations if and when the suspension is lifted.