KATHMANDU: World football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation have issued a final warning to Nepal, stating that the country could face immediate suspension from international football if interference in the affairs of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is not fully withdrawn.
According to a joint letter received by ANFA on June 5 and recently made public, the National Sports Council (NSC) lifted its suspension on ANFA on May 15. However, FIFA and AFC said other decisions taken by the council on March 25 remain in effect.
The two football governing bodies have identified directives issued by the NSC to halt ANFA elections, amend its statute, and conduct district-level association elections as “undue third-party interference” in the administration of football.
Through ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, FIFA and AFC have called on the NSC to provide a written commitment by June 11 confirming that its March 25 decisions have been fully revoked.
The letter states that if a satisfactory response is not received within the stipulated deadline, the matter will be referred to the FIFA Council with a recommendation for Nepal’s immediate suspension from international football.
A suspension would prevent Nepal’s national teams, clubs, and football officials from participating in FIFA- and AFC-sanctioned international competitions and activities.
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