FIFA Suspends All Nepal Football Federation

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He is infatuated with every aspect of football, but likes other sports as well, being an avid coffee-desperate Buffalo Bills supporter from across the pond and a darts' newbie. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account FIFA have issued a statement following their decision to ban an entire nation from all footballing activity for an indefinite period. The country in question has had its football association suspended with immediate effect due to issues over third-party interference in the running of the domestic game.

The suspension follows a prolonged dispute between the national FA and the country’s sporting council, which had earlier imposed a three-month ban on the football body before later revoking it, creating ongoing uncertainty over governance.

The governing body's decision marks a significant intervention, bringing an abrupt halt to all international involvement for the nation’s teams at every level while the situation remains unresolved. However, it is not unprecedented, with FIFA having issued a total of seven bans in its history.

FIFA haven't been afraid to suspend nations in the past and they usually have a good reason

FIFA have said the Bureau of the Council had decided to suspend Nepal under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, which prohibits member associations from being influenced by external parties. A statement read:

“The Bureau of the Council also decided to suspend the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party."

Nepal are currently ranked 117th in the latest FIFA world rankings, ahead of countries like Barbados, Pakistan, Gibraltar and San Marino.

As a result of the ban, ANFA has lost all membership rights with effect from June 24, 2026, until further notice, according to the Statesman. Nepal’s national teams and clubs will no longer be eligible to participate in international competitions organised by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The suspension also cuts off ANFA and its members from FIFA and AFC development programmes, training courses, financial assistance and other forms of institutional support. “Neither ANFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and/or the AFC,” the governing body said, while also urging other member associations to avoid sporting contact with ANFA and its affiliated teams during the suspension period.

Only one is currently suspended from the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA added that the suspension could be lifted before the next FIFA Congress if the circumstances leading to the sanction are resolved.

Under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, member associations are required to manage their affairs independently and free from external influence. FIFA also holds national associations accountable for actions taken by their officials if such conduct results from gross negligence or deliberate misconduct.

The decision represents a significant setback for Nepali football, with the country’s clubs and national teams now facing exclusion from all international competitions until FIFA is satisfied that its governance concerns have been addressed.