Sh*ckwave As FIFA Suspends Nepal From Global Football

According to Ireporter Online, the decision was formally communicated through a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who stated that the suspension followed what the body described as “undue interference by a third party” in the affairs of the national federation.

FIFA explained that the action was taken due to alleged breaches of its statutes, linked to an ongoing governance dispute between ANFA and Nepal’s National Sports Council, the country’s official sports regulatory authority. The council had previously suspended ANFA in March 2026 for three months during preparations for an elective congress, before later lifting the suspension in May. However, the electoral process reportedly remained unresolved amid continued directives and statutory disagreements.

FIFA maintains that its member associations must operate independently without government interference. The latest suspension follows what it described as “flagrant violations of FIFA statutes,” and will remain in place until the National Sports Council reverses its earlier decisions and allows ANFA to complete its electoral process.

ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah described the development as deeply concerning, warning that the suspension would significantly affect players and the future development of football in Nepal. He noted that it would deny athletes international opportunities and hinder the growth of the sport in the country.

In response, Ram Charitra Mehta, a member secretary of the National Sports Council, stated that the government did not anticipate the situation escalating to this level, adding that efforts were underway to explore alternative solutions to resolve the crisis and restore normal football activities in Nepal.