FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA bans the Nepal team, a major decision taken due to a violation of rules. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect for violating FIFA rules related to third-party interference.
Nepal Football Team Banned From FIFA World Cup 2026
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect for violating FIFA rules related to third-party interference.
This decision comes after a long-running dispute over the governance of Nepali football. Previously, Nepal's National Sports Council suspended ANFA for three months, although that decision was later withdrawn. FIFA said in a statement that the Council's Bureau has decided to suspend the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect due to violations of the rules regarding third-party interference under Article 14, paragraphs 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes.
According to a FIFA circular, ANFA has lost all membership rights under Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, effective June 24, 2026, until further notice. Consequently, ANFA representatives and club teams will no longer be able to participate in any international competition until their suspension is lifted.
The suspension means that Nepal's national teams and clubs will no longer be able to participate in any competitions organised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Furthermore, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), its member associations, and officials will no longer receive financial support from FIFA and the AFC.
FIFA has also clarified that during the suspension, ANFA and any of its members or officials will not be permitted to participate in any FIFA and AFC development programs, courses, or training. Furthermore, all relevant parties have been instructed not to have any sporting contact with ANFA or its teams while the suspension is in effect.
FIFA further stated that the Council Bureau or the FIFA Council may decide to lift the suspension at any time before the next FIFA Congress. If this happens, all parties concerned will be informed.
According to Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes, which deals with the responsibilities of Member Associations, any breach of obligations is punishable, even if the influence of a third party is involved. Under this, each Member Association shall be fully responsible to FIFA for any gross negligence or wilful wrongdoing of its members.
