KATHMANDU, APRIL 5
FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have raised serious concerns over the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) electoral process, warning of possible sanctions, including suspension, if the issue is not resolved.
According to the letter made public by ANFA on its Facebook page, the governing bodies said the decision by the National Sports Council (NSC) to halt the ANFA Elective Congress scheduled for March 27 amounted to undue third-party interference.
The NSC had, through a March 25 directive, reportedly suspended ANFA for three months under the National Sports Development Act 2077, while instructing it to stop the electoral process and amend its statutes. It had also directed district associations to revise their statutes and hold general assemblies.
FIFA and the AFC said the move effectively disrupted ANFA's elections just a day before the scheduled congress, undermining the association's autonomy. They reiterated that member associations are required to manage their affairs independently, without external interference, as per their statutes.
The two bodies have given a seven-day deadline for the NSC to withdraw or annul its decision and confirm in writing that ANFA can resume and complete its electoral process from where it was halted. Failing this, the matter will be referred to the FIFA Council for possible immediate suspension of ANFA.
They also warned that any suspension would result in the loss of all membership rights, including participation in international competitions and access to FIFA and AFC development funds. In addition, other member associations would be barred from maintaining sporting relations with ANFA for the duration of the suspension.
The letter has urged ANFA to immediately share its contents with relevant authorities and keep both organisations informed of further developments.
