Three Approaches to Lift the Suspension of ANFA
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On Tuesday, about a dozen male and female national football players released a heartfelt video appeal via the ‘Nepal Football Players’ Association’ on social media, urging the preservation of Nepali football.
The post, tagged with #SaveNepaliFootball, addresses FIFA, AFC, NSC, and the Government of Nepal, seeking support to rescue Nepali football.
As nearly two months pass since the suspension of Nepali football by FIFA, players, coaches, and administrators are actively striving to have the ANFA suspension lifted to save the sport in the country.
Vikram Lama, president of the Nepal Football Players’ Association, stated, “Players are in trouble and the responsible parties remain silent. Therefore, we have initiated a pressure campaign and will continue it.”
What measures might provide relief to Nepali football given the current situation? We have explored those options below.
1) Suspension Lifted If Government Withdraws Interference
If the Government of Nepal ceases its interference, the suspension on ANFA could be lifted immediately.
FIFA has identified “third-party interference” as the cause of the suspension. Should the government permit ANFA to conduct normal elections, the suspension could be revoked.
FIFA has stipulated this as a precondition to lift the suspension.
“Without any condition, the decision by the National Sports Council (NSC) on March 25, 2026, must be fully revoked, the current ANFA committee reinstated, and ANFA must be allowed to complete the ongoing electoral process according to its statutes and regulations as soon as possible,” FIFA declared.
On March 25, 2026, the NSC directed ANFA to halt elections, amend statutes, and instructed district associations to update their constitutions and hold elections, citing violations of the Sports Act.
ANFA appears to be awaiting the government’s decision on the matter. Suspended ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai remarked, “This is the solution. We cannot do anything else.”
2) Suspension Lifted If ANFA Complies With Decisions by Government and General Assembly
Football analysts suggest that if ANFA proceeds in compliance with the General Assembly’s decisions, the suspension could be lifted.
Madhusudan Upadhyay, CEO of Football Mission Together, stated, “If ANFA officials convene a meeting, accept the decisions of the General Assembly, and notify FIFA accordingly, the suspension could be revoked.”
At Dhulikhel, the ANFA General Assembly decided to conduct graded district-level elections.
CEO Acharya commented, “This approach avoids violating government law and addresses all stakeholders.”
3) Formation of a Mutually Accepted Interim Committee
The third option is to form an interim committee by mutual agreement between the Government of Nepal, FIFA, and ANFA, to oversee new elections.
This committee would include representatives from FIFA, ANFA, the government, and other impartial members. It would conduct new elections within a set timeframe.
So far, the government seems to be working on this alternative.
However, implementing this option is challenging, as FIFA’s consent is mandatory, and persuading them is not straightforward.
Government Perspective
This week, Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel told journalists that he remains in continuous contact with FIFA but cannot disclose details until results are achieved.
He said, “We are in ongoing dialogue with FIFA, and discussions are moving forward positively.”
Vice President of the National Sports Council and former national player Vishal Shrestha echoed these sentiments.
He stated, “Many things cannot be publicly disclosed. We are continuing internal efforts. A positive outcome is expected soon.”
Regardless of the approach taken to lift the suspension, dialogue among all three parties remains crucial.
Currently, only two parties appear actively engaged in resolving the issue.
ANFA officials, facing suspension, seem to have retreated from conflict, the government is negotiating with FIFA, while FIFA maintains its firm stance.
With all sides firmly holding their positions, the suspension of ANFA may persist for an extended period. Meanwhile, players report enduring considerable hardship.