FIFA Suspends All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Over Governance Violations

FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect from 24 June 2026 due to violations of FIFA Statutes involving third-party interference in its governance. As a result, Nepal's national football teams and clubs are barred from participating in all FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions until the suspension is lifted. ANFA and its members will also lose access to FIFA and AFC development programmes, financial assistance, and training courses.

FIFA stated that the suspension will remain in force until the governance issues are resolved and the association complies with FIFA's statutes on the independence of member associations. The action follows a dispute involving Nepal's National Sports Council, which FIFA viewed as undue external interference in football administration.

What is the Issue?

FIFA requires every member football association to function independently, without interference from governments or external agencies. Nepal's football body was suspended after FIFA concluded that there had been third-party interference in ANFA's governance, violating Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes.

Additional Key Facts

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

Full Form: Fédération Internationale de Football Association

Established: 21 May 1904

Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland

President: Gianni Infantino

Members: 211 National Football Associations

Functions of FIFA

Governs international football.

Organises the FIFA World Cup and other global tournaments.

Frames rules for international football.

Provides financial and technical assistance to member associations.

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)

Established: 1951

FIFA Affiliation: 1972

Headquarters: Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal

Governing body of football in Nepal.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Established: 1954

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Governing body of football in Asia.

One of FIFA's six continental confederations.

What is Third-Party Interference?

Third-party interference refers to situations where governments, courts, sports councils, or any external authority improperly influences the functioning, elections, or decision-making of a national football association.

FIFA prohibits such interference to ensure that member associations remain independent and democratically governed.

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes)

Organisation in News → FIFA

Country Affected → Nepal

Association Suspended → All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)

Reason → Third-party interference in governance

Effective From → 24 June 2026

Consequence → Nepal barred from FIFA and AFC competitions

FIFA Headquarters → Zurich, Switzerland

FIFA President → Gianni Infantino

AFC Headquarters → Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia