FIFA Suspends Nepal Football

Kathmandu. The world football's highest governing body (FIFA) has suspended Nepali football. With this formal decision of FIFA, Nepal's international football affiliation has been postponed for the time being.

This will directly affect Nepal's international participation and administrative activities in football. The National Sports Council (NSC) has expressed serious concern following FIFA's move. NSC Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta termed FIFA's decision as a 'sad moment' in the history of Nepali football and informed that the government and the council have started initiatives to resolve this.

Member Secretary Mehta said that this incident is not good for the nation and the players. The main reasons for the suspension cited in the letter sent by FIFA are government interference, third-party obstruction, and failure to hold elections within the stipulated time. However, Mehta completely denied the allegation of government interference. 'There has been no interference from the government or the council; we only urged to complete the election in a procedural and transparent manner,' he said.

According to Mehta, the then officials of ANFA were repeatedly advised to proceed with official decisions by holding a committee meeting. However, he accused them of showing irresponsibility by not holding internal discussions and meetings. Mehta stated that the current situation arose because, even though the officials were released unconditionally a month and a half ago to save football from deadlock and create a conducive environment, they did not call for a meeting or provide a way out until their term was about to end. He claimed that in Nepal's case, the government has worked with stakeholders and the media as witnesses, while mentioning that FIFA has also suspended 17 other countries worldwide citing government interference.

Speaking about the next steps after the suspension, Mehta said that immediate talks and correspondence will be held with FIFA to demand the lifting of the suspension. 'We did not even stop them from going to FIFA's general assembly; we only urged them to go after making institutional decisions. However, their non-attendance even in discussions at the ministerial level raises questions about their intentions; we are explaining the reality to FIFA and corresponding,' he said. He also informed that internal alternatives are being discussed on how to keep Nepali football dynamic if the suspension is not lifted immediately. When asked about the discussion in the market regarding the formation of an 'ad-hoc committee', he clarified that no formal or legal decision has been made so far.