OFFICIAL: FIFA bans Vietnam's opponent indefinitely

The decision by FIFA to suspend the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) indefinitely implies that the country's national teams and clubs cannot take part in any global football events until the penalty is revoked.

Nepal's football community has suffered a major blow as FIFA officially suspends the membership of the Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect. This action was taken after world football's highest authority determined that ANFA had committed serious violations regarding third-party interference in its internal affairs.

According to FIFA's announcement, the Bureau of the FIFA Council decided to suspend ANFA due to "serious violations of the FIFA Statutes concerning third-party interference," based on Articles 14, paragraphs 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes. The penalty takes effect from June 24, 2026, and remains in place until further notice.

This means Nepal loses all rights as a FIFA member association. National teams, youth squads, and clubs under ANFA are prohibited from competing in any international tournaments during the suspension period. Additionally, ANFA, its members, and officials are barred from receiving development programs, courses, training activities, or financial support from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

FIFA also reminded member associations not to engage in any sporting contact with ANFA or its affiliated teams while the suspension remains in effect.

Prior to FIFA's sanction, Nepal's National Sports Council had suspended ANFA for three months, though that decision was later reversed. However, following warnings from FIFA and AFC, Nepalese football was found to have violated the principle of independence in football governance—a requirement FIFA always considers mandatory for all member associations.

Nepal currently ranks 117th in the FIFA World Rankings. Historically, the country's national team has never qualified for a major tournament, but they won the AFC Solidarity Cup in 2016. Their most recent match was a 0-1 loss to Laos in the Asian Cup qualifiers last March.

Previously, Nepal was also an opponent of the Vietnam national team in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Notably, Nepal lost both matches against Kim Sang-sik’s squad, with scores of 0-1 and 1-3, respectively.

With this latest penalty, Nepal cannot play any further international matches until FIFA issues a different ruling. However, FIFA has left open the possibility of lifting the suspension before the next FIFA Congress if ANFA fully meets the conditions set forth.

FIFA has long maintained a firm stance against third-party interference in football governance. Before Nepal, countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Congo, and Nigeria faced similar sanctions. Recently, Congo and Pakistan were also suspended due to governance issues, but their bans were lifted after those associations complied with FIFA's requirements.

In this context, Nepal is likely to have an opportunity to rectify its situation in the near future. However, until the ban is lifted, Nepalese football remains effectively isolated from all international activities.