Nepal football faces FIFA ban

FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect. The world football's governing body confirmed that the suspension was imposed due to third-party interference, casting uncertainty over Nepal's participation in the upcoming SAFF Championship in November this year on Wednesday.

In a letter sent to ANFA, the governing body confirmed that the ban was issued due to flagrant violations of FIFA statutes. FIFA believes that Nepal's National Sports Council—the government body for sports administration in the country—is at the center of this dispute. FIFA maintains that football federations must operate independently, especially without state interference in internal processes, including leadership elections.

Due to the FIFA suspension, Nepal will not be allowed to participate in any competitions organized by FIFA or continental football bodies. As a result, their participation in the SAFF Championship, scheduled for this November, remains highly uncertain. Along with this indefinite ban, the country will also temporarily be deprived of FIFA development programs, training courses, and various funded projects.

ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah expressed deep concern over the FIFA ban. In a statement, Shah said, "This suspension directly affects our players, stripping them of opportunities. The future of athletes who dream of representing Nepal at the international level has now become uncertain."