Kathmandu, April 24: The world football governing body (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation have once again urged the National Sports Council (NSC) of Nepal to lift its suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), warning of possible consequences if the decision is not reversed.
The letter from FIFA and AFC, released by ANFA on Thursday, gave the NSC until 4 May to reconsider its position and revoke the decision. The NSC imposed a suspension of ANFA on March 25 for three months. The suspension was issued over ANFA’s failure to comply with directives related to a tier-based election system and other governance issues.
The move forced the postponement of ANFA’s election, which was scheduled for March 27 in Jhapa.
The latest communication follows an online meeting held on April 13 between NSC, ANFA, FIFA, and AFC. Earlier, FIFA and AFC had issued a similar warning on April 4, giving a seven-day deadline to lift the suspension or face a potential ban.
While acknowledging the recent dialogue as constructive, FIFA and AFC reiterated that the NSC’s actions constitute third-party interference in football governance.
“The decision to halt the electoral process and amend statutes significantly impacts ANFA’s autonomy and violates its obligations as a member association,” the letter stated.
FIFA and AFC also expressed readiness to find a solution through dialogue, provided the suspension is lifted.
The letter, sent to ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, instructed ANFA to forward it to the NSC.
Following this, ANFA officials visited the NSC on Thursday, requesting the suspension be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the NSC has formed a committee to investigate ANFA’s financial activities and has reportedly restricted ANFA officials from travelling abroad.
The ANFA election has faced repeated delays. Initially scheduled for March 11, it was postponed following a High Court order and a directive from the Election Commission. A rescheduled election set for March 27 in Jhapa was again deferred after the NSC imposed the suspension. #Nepal #FIFA #ANFA
