Lack of Communication Persists Between Government and ANFA Amid FIFA Suspension

ANFA General Secretary states: Our belief is that rather than individuals winning or losing, the country and its football should never suffer defeat. Since FIFA imposed an indefinite suspension on ANFA on June 24 citing third-party interference, Nepalese football has been at a standstill for 83 days. Although the government claims positive dialogue with FIFA, there has been no discussion with ANFA so far, maintaining the communication gap between the two parties. If the suspension is not lifted by the end of September, Nepal risks missing the SAFF Championship. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Khelakud Pariṣad (RAKEP) Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta remarked that since ANFA officials’ terms have expired, negotiations lack justification.

September 15, Kathmandu – It has been 83 days since the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the highest football governing body in Nepal, was suspended by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). FIFA imposed an indefinite suspension on ANFA on June 24, citing third-party interference. This suspension has effectively brought Nepalese football to a halt. Players have been unable to participate in matches, coaches cannot conduct trainings, and referees are prohibited from overseeing games.

The government repeatedly asserts that it has engaged in dialogue with FIFA, striving to get the suspension lifted. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel claimed the talks with FIFA have been positive and that the suspension will soon be revoked. However, despite the 83 days elapsed since the suspension, no resolution has been reached. Moreover, the government, while asserting active efforts, has not yet held any discussion with ANFA. There remains no communication between the government and ANFA during this entire period.

ANFA officials feel neglected by the government, which has ignored their repeated requests for talks. ANFA leadership expressed frustration over the lack of government attention. ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai explained, “We have repeatedly attempted to call both directly and indirectly, but we always received responses that the deadline has expired.”

ANFA had planned to stage a sit-in and submit a memorandum to RAKEP on Tuesday demanding the suspension be lifted. Still, the government has not initiated any dialogue or taken steps to engage with ANFA. This communication blackout between the government and ANFA persists even after 83 days. However, following a government request to negotiate, the protest was postponed, General Secretary Rai informed. Nevertheless, no talks occurred on Tuesday. “The government proposed discussions and said they would call after setting a schedule, but so far, no calls have been made,” he added.

The suspension stemmed from internal disputes between the Nepal government and ANFA linked to early elections. When the current leadership attempted to hold elections before their term ended, RAKEP sought to conduct regular general assemblies. Although early elections did not take place, FIFA was unable to prevent the suspension. After ANFA was suspended under RAKEP from March 26 to May 15, unresolved problems led to reinstated suspension by FIFA on June 24.

Due to the suspension, the Nepal women’s football team missed the FIFA series. Now, the men’s team faces losing the upcoming SAFF Championship. If the suspension is not rescinded by the end of September, Nepal will be ineligible to compete in SAFF. ANFA General Secretary Rai stated that they have remained silent out of concern that public statements might negatively impact ongoing government-FIFA talks, but with no resolution yet, they have felt compelled to voice their position.

“Since the government and FIFA are in talks, we restrained ourselves to avoid impacting the process negatively, exercising patience and caution. But further delay is harmful. If the government does not communicate clearly, it is natural for delays to continue,” said Rai.

The men’s team stands to miss the SAFF Championship if the suspension is not lifted by September’s end. Rai expressed that they are seeking solutions through internal dialogue rather than conflict.

“If we do nothing and the uncertainty continues, what will happen to the players’ futures? This situation does not solve anything. Further delays could drown our nation’s football. Our primary focus is that the country and its football should never lose out to individual wins or losses,” he emphasized.

RAKEP Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta stated that since ANFA’s leadership tenure has ended, there is no justification for negotiations. “ANFA is a sports organization, but the officials’ terms have expired, so who should we negotiate with?” he asked.