The suspensions imposed by FIFA on India and Pakistan were lifted quickly after compliance with FIFA’s stipulated conditions, but is it possible for Nepal’s suspension to be lifted without fulfilling these conditions? As of October 29, Kathmandu, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has completed one hundred days under suspension imposed indefinitely by FIFA on June 24, due to allegations of third-party interference. However, even after one hundred days, there is no indication that the suspension will be lifted.
FIFA had previously suspended Nepal’s neighboring countries, India and Pakistan, as well. Yet, India’s suspension was lifted within 10 days and Pakistan’s within 24 days. Contrastingly, Nepal’s suspension remains unresolved after one hundred days. FIFA had imposed a suspension on India due to third-party interference but India managed to have the suspension lifted successfully within 10 days.
The conditions for lifting the suspension included the complete dissolution of the coaching committee and reinstating the administration of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Six days after the suspension, India’s Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of the committee. During this period, FIFA maintained continuous coordination with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India. Furthermore, India was required to entirely reverse its March 25, 2026 decision and reinstate the current ANFA executive committee.
Amid allegations of match-fixing, Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested ANFA treasurer Ravindra Joshi and accountant Sanjeev Pandey. Owing to these investigative activities, ANFA officials are currently unreachable, further complicating the situation for Nepalese football. While the government is concluded to have provided insufficient assistance towards lifting the suspension, ANFA has expressed disagreement with this assessment, instead asserting that the government has not cooperated adequately.
