FIFA Suspends All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)

Kathmandu. The world football's highest body FIFA has informed that it has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect.

ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai informed Ratopati that the FIFA Council Bureau has decided to suspend ANFA, concluding that there has been a serious violation of FIFA statutes related to third-party interference.  

Article 14, Sub-articles 1(a) and 3 of the FIFA statutes stipulate that there should be no undue interference from third parties in the activities of member associations.

Previously, there was a heated dispute between the National Sports Council (NSC) and ANFA regarding elections and the operation of the association. FIFA and AFC had warned Nepal to withdraw interference in ANFA's activities, stating that otherwise, suspension could occur.

With the suspension, the Nepali national team, clubs, and football officials will not be able to participate in international competitions and activities under FIFA and AFC, creating a situation. Such a suspension can only be lifted after the third-party interference ends and FIFA's conditions are met.

The FIFA decision has put Nepali football in a serious crisis, and due to this, Nepal's participation in international competitions will be directly affected.