Guglielmo Arena Leaves Nepal Head Coach Role After FIFA Suspension

Guglielmo Arena, the Swiss-Italian head coach of the Nepal men’s national football team, has left his position after mutually agreeing with ANFA to end his contract following FIFA’s suspension of Nepal’s football governing body. The decision came in July 2026, with Arena saying the suspension had stopped football activities and made it impossible to continue his long-term plan for the national team.

Arena said the lack of short-term and medium-term clarity after the FIFA suspension made it difficult to continue developing the sporting project he had started with Nepal.

His departure leaves the men’s national team without a head coach at a time when Nepali football remains affected by the suspension and halted activities.

Arena had been appointed earlier this year after Matt Ross left the role, with the aim of guiding Nepal toward the SAFF Men’s Championship.

Arena thanked ANFA, players, staff, and Nepali football supporters, while expressing hope that a constructive solution will be found soon so football can move forward again.