KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the governing body of Nepali football, has been penalized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for pulling out of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers.
According to the AFC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, which met on August 21, ANFA has been fined USD 10,000 for withdrawing 106 days before the start of the qualifiers. The withdrawal was deemed a violation of Article 6.7 of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 regulations.
As per Article 11.3 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, the fine must be paid within 30 days of notification. However, sources said ANFA has yet to clear the penalty.
Earlier this year, ANFA had begun preparations for the qualifiers by organizing an inter-school futsal championship from May 4 to 18, aimed at scouting talent alongside national players. Around 45 to 50 players had been called up for preliminary training, but the camp was abruptly halted, with ANFA citing “technical reasons.”
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 will take place in Indonesia from January 27 to February 7, across two host cities, featuring 16 teams.
For the qualifiers, which begin on September 20, 31 teams have been divided into eight groups. Group winners will directly qualify for the tournament, while the seven best runners-up will also secure spots.
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