FIFA Suspends Nepal Football Association Over Third-Party Influence

FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect after finding violations of FIFA Statutes tied to interference by a third party. The decision follows a longer dispute over governance in Nepali football. FIFA said the council’s Bureau ordered the suspension under Article 14, paragraphs 1(i) and 3 of its statutes, after Nepal’s National Sports Council had suspended ANFA for three months before revoking that action. As a result, starting 24 June 2026, ANFA lost all membership rights under Article 13 until further notice, meaning its representative and club teams cannot take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. FIFA also stated that ANFA, its bodies, and officials will lose access to FIFA and AFC funding, as well as development programmes, courses, and training. FIFA noted the possibility of broader sanctions under Article 14 if obligations were violated.