FIFA bans entire country from all football (soccer)
FIFA have banned an entire country from any involvement in football for an indefinite period, with a statement released online.
Nepal are currently ranked 117th in the latest FIFA world rankings, ahead of countries like Barbados, Pakistan, Gibraltar and San Marino.
However, the South Asian nation are now suspended from football at all levels as a result of third party interference in all goings on at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
Nepal’s National Sports Council had previously issued the ANFA with a three-month suspension that was then rescinded.
But after a warning from FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Nepal are unable to participate in any international competitions after committing "flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party".
In addition, they are not entitled to any funding from FIFA or the AFC during the period of suspension.
In a statement, FIFA said: "The Bureau of the Council also decided to suspend the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes linked to interference by a third party in accordance with article 14 paragraphs 1(i) and 3 of the FIFA Statutes.
“Consequently, with effect from 24 June 2026, ANFA has lost all of its membership rights, as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, until further notice. ANFA representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted,”
“This also means that neither ANFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, we would remind you and your affiliates not to enter into any sporting contact with ANFA and/or its teams while ANFA is suspended.
“Finally, the Bureau of the Council or the FIFA Council may lift this suspension at any time before the next FIFA Congress takes place. Should this occur, we will inform you accordingly."
Nepal one of two countries banned by FIFA
Nepal's highest FIFA ranking came between 1993 and 1994 when they were listed as 124th in the world, with their lowest coming in January 2016 when they dropped to 196.
They have never qualified for a major international tournament but did win the AFC Solidarity Cup in 2016.
Their most recent fixture was a 1-0 loss to Laos in Asian Cup qualification back in March, but the newly imposed ban means they are unable to play any further fixtures until FIFA say otherwise.
FIFA are very strong on third-party interference in the governance of football and have banned Pakistan, Indonesia, Republic of Congo and Nigeria in similar circumstances.
The Republic of Congo and Pakistan were both suspended as recent as last year because of governance problemsm but the bans were lifted shortly after the nations met FIFA's conditions.
It appears as though Nepal will have the same opportunity to do so in the near future.
They are currently the second country to be suspended from all international football along with Russia, who are still prohibited by FIFA and UEFA relating to the invasion of Ukraine.
