FIFA and AFC Hold Talks to Resolve Nepal Football Dispute

Representatives of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held a virtual meeting on Monday with officials from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the National Sports Council of Nepal (National Sports Council) in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute in Nepali football.

During the discussion, FIFA and AFC urged the National Sports Council to lift its suspension on ANFA and return to the previously agreed election schedule. They also emphasized that elections within ANFA should proceed without any interference from third parties.

The meeting included six representatives from FIFA and AFC. Among them were FIFA’s Head of Governance, Rolf Tanner; AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany; FIFA official Prince Rufus; AFC officials Sanjeevan Balasingam and Yasuko Takano; and South Asia Unit Head Niren Mukherjee.

From the National Sports Council, Member Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta and Sanu KC participated in the meeting. On behalf of ANFA, General Secretary Kiran Rai, CEO Indraman Tuladhar, and Media Officer Shailendra Adhikari were present.

According to participants, FIFA made it clear that ANFA elections must be conducted freely and independently. It also warned that Nepal could face suspension if external interference continues. FIFA maintained that the action taken by the National Sports Council against ANFA amounts to third-party interference under international football regulations.

In response, the National Sports Council defended its decision, stating that its actions against ANFA were taken in accordance with its own rules and regulations. However, FIFA insisted that the issue must be handled under international football governance standards.

The Sports Council also stressed that ANFA’s elections should follow a hierarchical or tier-based structure. FIFA, however, clarified that ANFA’s general assembly had not passed any decision supporting such a system. FIFA further stated that it had reviewed the official minutes of ANFA’s general assembly and found no reference to a tiered election process.

Additionally, FIFA has requested an English version of the Sports Council’s statute for further review. Meanwhile, the council has reportedly proposed further face-to-face discussions to prevent Nepal from facing a possible FIFA suspension.