FIFA has withdrawn its recognition of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) until further notice, citing third-party interference in the country's football governance. The decision, announced on 24 June 2026, effectively bars Nepal's national teams and clubs from participating in international competitions and accessing FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) development programmes.
Background of the Suspension
The indefinite ban follows accusations that ANFA is subject to undue external influence. According to the Kathmandu Post, Nepal's National Sports Council had previously refused to recognise an ANFA election, and the current executive committee, led by president Pankaj Bikram Nembang, had already seen its tenure expire. FIFA's statutes prohibit third-party interference in member associations' affairs, and the Bureau of the Council determined that ANFA was not operating independently.
Official Statement from FIFA
In a circular to member associations, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom wrote: "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." He added that ANFA has lost all membership rights defined in Article 13, meaning its representative and club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions. Furthermore, neither ANFA nor its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses, or training from FIFA or the AFC. Grafstrom also reminded affiliates not to engage in any sporting contact with ANFA or its teams while the suspension remains in effect.
Impact on Nepalese Football
The suspension is a significant blow to football in Nepal, isolating the country from the global football community. National team players and club sides will be unable to compete in international tournaments or friendly matches, and access to FIFA and AFC funding and training initiatives is cut off. The suspension can be lifted at any time by the Bureau of the Council or the FIFA Council before the next FIFA Congress, provided ANFA resolves the third-party interference issue.
Precedents: Congo and Pakistan
Nepal is not the first nation to face such a penalty. The Congolese Football Association was previously suspended for similar reasons—third-party interference—and had its suspension lifted in May 2025 after FIFA was satisfied that the federation was operating independently and its headquarters were restored. Similarly, the Pakistan Football Federation was suspended for failing to adopt a constitution ensuring fair and democratic elections; that suspension ended in March 2025 after FIFA and the AFC validated a new constitution approved by the PFF Congress.
FIFA's action underscores its commitment to protecting member associations from external influence, a core principle of its statutes. The suspension of ANFA serves as a reminder that national football bodies must maintain autonomy to participate in international football.
