International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has banned All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) immediately due to violation of third party interference regulations. This ban comes after years of dispute on management of the football affairs in Nepal. In the past, Nepal's National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months, although this suspension was lifted in the later period. According to FIFA, the ban was initiated by the Bureau of the Council due to violation of regulations on third party interference as per Article 14, section 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes.
As per the notice sent by FIFA, ANFA has automatically ceased to enjoy all rights of membership as per Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes until further notice from June 24, 2026. Henceforth, representatives of ANFA and club teams are barred from participating in all international tournaments until the lifting of this ban.
Therefore, Nepal's national and club teams are not eligible to compete in any tournament conducted by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Additionally, ANFA, its affiliates, and officials will not be receiving financial support from FIFA and AFC.
FIFA has also clarified that during the suspension, the ANFA and any of its members or officials will not be permitted to participate in any development programs, courses, or training sessions organized by FIFA or the AFC. Furthermore, all relevant parties have been instructed not to maintain any sporting contact with the ANFA or its teams while the suspension remains in force. FIFA further stated that the Bureau of the Council or the FIFA Council could decide to lift this suspension at any time prior to the next FIFA Congress; should this occur, all relevant parties would be informed accordingly.
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes-which pertains to the obligations of member associations-action may be taken for any breach of obligations, even if third-party influence is involved. Under this provision, every member association is held fully accountable to FIFA for the gross negligence or deliberate misconduct of its members.
International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has banned All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) immediately due to violation of third party interference regulations. This ban comes after years of dispute on management of the football affairs in Nepal. In the past, Nepal's National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months, although this suspension was lifted in the later period. According to FIFA, the ban was initiated by the Bureau of the Council due to violation of regulations on third party interference as per Article 14, section 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes.
As per the notice sent by FIFA, ANFA has automatically ceased to enjoy all rights of membership as per Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes until further notice from June 24, 2026. Henceforth, representatives of ANFA and club teams are barred from participating in all international tournaments until the lifting of this ban.
Therefore, Nepal's national and club teams are not eligible to compete in any tournament conducted by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Additionally, ANFA, its affiliates, and officials will not be receiving financial support from FIFA and AFC.
FIFA has also clarified that during the suspension, the ANFA and any of its members or officials will not be permitted to participate in any development programs, courses, or training sessions organized by FIFA or the AFC. Furthermore, all relevant parties have been instructed not to maintain any sporting contact with the ANFA or its teams while the suspension remains in force. FIFA further stated that the Bureau of the Council or the FIFA Council could decide to lift this suspension at any time prior to the next FIFA Congress; should this occur, all relevant parties would be informed accordingly.
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes-which pertains to the obligations of member associations-action may be taken for any breach of obligations, even if third-party influence is involved. Under this provision, every member association is held fully accountable to FIFA for the gross negligence or deliberate misconduct of its members.