FIFA Slams Suspension on THIS Team Amid World Cup 2026 – Here's Why

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing across North America, FIFA has suspended Nepal, specifically the All Nepal Football Federation (ANFA), with an indefinite ban that has sent shockwaves through Asian football. The All Nepal Football Federation ban comes as a direct consequence of third-party interference in the governing body's affairs, a violation FIFA takes extremely seriously.

Why Did FIFA Suspend Nepal?

The roots of this crisis run deep. The move follows a prolonged dispute over the governance of Nepali football. Nepal's National Sports Council had earlier suspended ANFA for three months, though that decision was later revoked. The situation only deteriorated further from there. The Sports Council refused to recognise ANFA's proposed election, forcing the poll to be postponed, while the tenure of the current ANFA executive committee, led by president Pankaj Bikram Nembang, had already expired, leaving the organisation without a clear roadmap for resolving the leadership vacuum.

What Did FIFA Actually Do?

The decision was made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on June 24, with FIFA citing third-party interference in ANFA's affairs as the primary reason for the suspension. The FIFA suspension of Nepal's ruling is indefinite, with no timeline currently given for when the ban could be lifted.

What Does the Ban Mean for Nepal Football?

The consequences of the All Nepal Football Federation ban are sweeping and immediate. Nepal's national teams and clubs can no longer participate in competitions organised by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). ANFA, its member bodies, and officials will also lose access to FIFA and AFC funding, development programmes, training opportunities, and educational courses until the suspension is lifted.

What Happens Next?

The All Nepal Football Federation ban will remain in place until FIFA is satisfied that government interference has ceased and ANFA's autonomy is fully restored.