Nepal Football Timeline: From Founding to FIFA Suspension
Nepal’s football story began as a tale of growth and aspiration: the founding of the national association, entry into Asian and global football bodies, landmark victories and the rise of domestic tournaments. But ANFA’s history has also been marked by chronic governance disputes, corruption allegations, court interventions and clashes with the state. Those tensions deepened in recent years over finances, elections and autonomy, finally pushing Nepali football into uncharted territory when FIFA suspended ANFA on June 24, 2026, over third-party interference. This timeline traces the key moments that shaped Nepali football’s governing body and explains how decades of sporting progress and recurring governance turmoil led to its gravest crisis yet.
- Key Event: FIFA suspends ANFA on June 24, 2026
- Reason: Third-party interference in ANFA affairs
- Impact: Nepal banned from international football until further notice
Early Foundations (1921–1972)
Football was introduced in Nepal in 1921 during the Rana regime, brought in by young players who had learned the game abroad. The Ram Janaki Cup, one of Nepal’s earliest organized tournaments, began in 1934. After a nationwide pro-democracy movement disrupted football in 1947, the Tribhuvan Challenge Shield was established in 1948. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was formally established in 1951, with General Nar Shumsher J.B.R. as its first chairman. ANFA became a founding member of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954, and Dasharath Rangashala was built in 1956. Nepal played its first international match in 1963 at the Aga Khan Gold Cup, and ANFA was formally affiliated with FIFA in 1972. On October 13, 1972, Nepal played its first official FIFA-recognized international match, losing 2-6 to China at the Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia.
Growth and Milestones (1982–2000)
Y.B. Ghale scored Nepal’s first international goal in 1982 against the Philippines at the King’s Cup. In 1984, Nepal qualified for the AFC Asian Cup, its only appearance in the tournament to date, and won a home tournament gold medal by beating Bangladesh 4-2 in the final. Nepal entered the FIFA World Rankings in December 1993, peaking at 124th, and won South Asian Games football gold under captain Raju Kaji Shakya, defeating India on penalties. Ganesh Thapa became ANFA president in 1995, beginning a tenure that would last roughly two decades. ANFA became affiliated with the South Asian Football Federation in 1997, and the ANFA Complex was built in Satdobato, Lalitpur in 2000.
Governance Turmoil and Corruption (2001–2015)
A dispute between a government-backed faction and a FIFA-backed faction over control of ANFA began in 2001, leading to Nepal’s suspension from international competition for roughly two years. In 2009, FIFA later found that Ganesh Thapa solicited and accepted a cash payment connected to that year’s FIFA Executive Committee election. Similar findings were made for 2011. In 2012, a leaked audit of AFC’s finances by PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed irregularities. These issues culminated in Thapa’s resignation in 2015 amid corruption allegations.
Recent Crises and FIFA Suspension (2016–2026)
In 2026, tensions escalated. In April, Nepal’s scheduled FIFA Series fixtures against Congo and another opponent were thrown into doubt and the team withdrew. In May, nearly two dozen ANFA officials were placed on a government travel watch list tied to a financial investigation. The National Sports Council wrote to FIFA and AFC revoking its March 25 suspension under Section 29(3) of the Sports Development Act, and ANFA’s domestic suspension was lifted. However, FIFA and AFC sent a letter on June 5 stating that several directives remained unresolved, setting a June 11 deadline. On June 9, ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai were barred from travelling to Mexico and the US for FIFA World Cup events. The deadline passed without full compliance, and on June 24, 2026, FIFA suspended ANFA with immediate effect, citing a serious violation of FIFA’s statutes on third-party interference.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Stat |
|---|---|
| Y.B. Ghale | First international goal (1982) |
| Raju Kaji Shakya | Captain, 1993 SAG gold medal |
| Nepal National Team | Highest FIFA ranking: 124 (1993) |
What’s Next for Nepali Football?
The suspension means Nepal is banned from all international competitions until FIFA lifts the ban. This includes upcoming SAFF tournaments, AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The national teams, both men’s and women’s, cannot play any official matches. ANFA must resolve the issue of third-party interference, likely by ensuring the government does not interfere in ANFA’s internal affairs. The timeline for reinstatement is uncertain, but similar suspensions in other countries have lasted months to years. The broader context includes the FIFA World Cup 2026 frenzy in Nepal, which now faces a shadow.
Where to Watch
For fans following the developments, updates are available on FIFA’s official website and local Nepali news channels. However, with the suspension, no live matches involving Nepal are currently scheduled. For international football, broadcasters like Star Sports, Sony Sports Network, and streaming platforms such as FanCode and JioCinema cover major tournaments. In Nepal, Kantipur TV and AP1 TV often broadcast football events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did FIFA suspend ANFA in 2026?
FIFA suspended ANFA due to third-party interference, specifically the government’s involvement in ANFA’s affairs, which violates FIFA statutes. The National Sports Council’s actions, including suspending ANFA’s executive committee and appointing a new body, were seen as undue influence.
What does the suspension mean for Nepal’s national teams?
Nepal’s national teams are banned from all international competitions until the suspension is lifted. This includes friendlies, qualifiers, and tournaments like the SAFF Championship and AFC Asian Cup.
How long will the suspension last?
There is no fixed timeline. FIFA will lift the suspension once ANFA demonstrates that third-party interference has ceased and that it can operate independently. Past suspensions in other countries have lasted from a few months to several years.
Can Nepali players still play abroad?
Individual players may still play for club teams abroad, as the suspension only affects national team activities. However, they cannot represent Nepal in international matches.
What are the historical precedents for FIFA suspensions?
Several countries have faced FIFA suspensions for government interference, including Pakistan, Nigeria, and Kuwait. In most cases, suspensions were lifted after the government backed down and allowed football associations to operate freely.
