KATHMANDU – The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for an indefinite period, over third-party interference in the federation’s affairs, dealing a major blow to football in the country. This move bars Nepal from international football competitions and cuts off access to global football training initiatives, and educational courses for ANFA and its members.
The decision was taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on June 24, according to the statement released by the world football governing body. FIFA said the suspension was imposed because of interference by external parties in ANFA’s administration, violating the organisation’s statutes that require member associations to operate independently.
FIFA further stated that the sanction could be revoked before the next FIFA Congress if the circumstances leading to the suspension are resolved.
As a result, of the suspension the Nepal’s national football teams and clubs will be unable to participate in competitions organised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The suspension means, the ANFA and its officials will lose access to FIFA and AFC funding, training programmes, educational courses and development assistance until the suspension is lifted.
The sanction follows months of disputes surrounding the governance of the Nepal Football Association. Earlier this year, the National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months, although the decision was later withdrawn. Tensions persisted after the council refused to recognise ANFA’s proposed election process, leading to the postponement of leadership polls.
The FIFA suspension deals a major blow to the footballers, putting at stake theirinternational participation, player development and ongoing football projects.
