KATHMANDU: FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have warned that the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) could face suspension if its election process is not resumed and finalized within seven days.
In a joint letter sent on Saturday to ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, the two football governing bodies directed ANFA to restart its electoral process and provide written assurance within seven days that the election will proceed. Failure to comply could lead to the matter being referred to the FIFA Council for immediate suspension.
“If the decision by the National Sports Council is not revoked, or if ANFA fails to confirm in writing within seven days that the council’s decision has no effect and that it will resume its electoral process from the stage prior to the suspension, the matter will be submitted to the FIFA Council for ANFA’s immediate suspension,” the letter states.
According to the letter, the suspension imposed by the National Sports Council has prevented ANFA from independently managing its internal affairs.
If suspended by FIFA, ANFA would be barred from participating in international competitions, lose access to development funds from FIFA and AFC, and other member associations would be prohibited from maintaining sporting relations with the Nepali football body.
The National Sports Council had suspended ANFA for three months on Chaitra 12, accusing it of preparing to hold elections without approval. Following the decision, ANFA postponed its election that had been scheduled for Chaitra 13.
FIFA Series participation uncertain
The ongoing dispute has also raised uncertainty over Nepal’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Series 2026.
According to FIFA’s schedule, Nepal is set to play two matches in the series on April 12 and April 15 in Thailand. However, ANFA’s suspension by the National Sports Council has cast doubt on whether the national team will be able to take part.
ANFA had announced a preliminary squad of 32 players for the series on March 25. The suspension imposed by the council on the same day prevented the association from moving forward with preparations, including the start of the training camp.
Nepal is scheduled to face Congo on April 12 in the series, which will also feature Thailand and another team from the Oceania Football Confederation yet to be confirmed. The second match on April 15 will be determined based on the results of the first game.
The dispute between ANFA and the council has also affected other scheduled fixtures. Earlier, an international friendly match between Nepal and Hong Kong scheduled at Dasharath Stadium on Chaitra 12 was postponed following disagreements between the two bodies.
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