FIFA and AFC Issue Stern Warning: Nepal Faces Suspension if Government Interference in ANFA Continues

May 27, Kathmandu – The world football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have issued a stern warning to immediately halt any form of government interference in the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) or Nepal risks being suspended from international football competitions. According to a joint letter obtained and made public by ANFA five days ago (June 5, 2026), the National Sports Council (Rakhap) had lifted ANFA’s suspension on May 15 (Jestha 2), but other decisions taken on March 25 (Chaitra 12) remain unrevoked, perpetuating the problem.

FIFA and AFC have identified Rakhap’s directives to ANFA to halt elections, amend statutes, and conduct district-level association elections as “unwarranted third-party interference,” urging immediate cancellation of these actions. Through ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, FIFA and AFC have demanded a written commitment by May 28 confirming the complete annulment of Rakhap’s March 25 decisions. The letter also makes it clear that failure to receive a satisfactory response within the stipulated timeframe will lead to immediate suspension of Nepal from international football oversight by the FIFA Council.