Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has been suspended by FIFA, the governing body of world football. The FIFA Council Bureau has decided to suspend ANFA for violating the FIFA statute.

According to a statement issued by FIFA, it has been concluded that there was interference by a third party in ANFA, which violated Article 14 (1) and Clause 3 of the FIFA Statute.

FIFA described the interference in ANFA’s activities as an attack on the independence and autonomy of the association. According to the FIFA statute, member associations must conduct their affairs independently.

With the suspension, the ANFA and its national teams and clubs are barred from participating in the international activities under FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). In addition, technical and financial support from FIFA could also be affected.

FIFA said the suspension would have to be lifted to meet the necessary reforms and standards. It is said that the suspension can be reviewed only after the ANFA ensures the independence of the association as demanded by FIFA and ends the interference of a third party. This decision of FIFA is expected to have a direct impact on the international participation and development programs of Nepali football.