Nepal Set to Miss SAFF Men’s Championship for First Time as FIFA Ban Remains Unlifted

KATHMANDU: Nepal is set to miss the SAFF Men’s Championship for the first time in the tournament’s history after its FIFA suspension remained unresolved by the deadline set by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).

SAFF had given Nepal until September 30, 2026, to have the FIFA suspension lifted and become eligible to participate in the 15th edition of the regional championship, which will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in November.

SAFF Had Kept a Place Open for Nepal

Nepal was not included in either group during the tournament draw on August 1. However, SAFF had kept open the possibility of adding Nepal to the group featuring hosts Bangladesh if the country could resolve the FIFA suspension before the September 30 deadline.

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said the organization had provided the additional window because it believed Nepal could resolve the issue.

SAFF was also waiting for official confirmation from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation regarding Nepal’s eligibility.

FIFA Suspended Nepal in June

FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on June 24 over what it described as third-party interference.

The suspension has continued as the dispute between the government and ANFA remains unresolved.

Recent developments have further complicated the situation. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested ANFA treasurer Rabindra Joshi and account officer Sanjiv Pandey on September 18 as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

The CIB also took computers and laptops from the ANFA complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur, for investigation.

Investigation Into ANFA Continues

According to CIB officials, the investigation is focused on financial issues, including the purchase and sale of jerseys, the sale of 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets and a venue change involving Nepal's home fixture against Bahrain.

CIB officials said the investigation could take time and that senior ANFA officials could also be called for questioning.

The bureau has not yet coordinated with FIFA or AFC, although officials said such coordination could take place if necessary.

Government and Players Discuss Football’s Future

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Sports has been holding discussions with former and current footballers about the future of Nepali football.

A delegation from the Nepal Football Players Association also met Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel on Monday.

NFPA President Bikram Lama said the meeting focused on finding long-term solutions and restoring a regular football cycle in Nepal.

He said players were aware that Nepal could miss the SAFF Championship, which has been an important international platform for Nepali football.

Government and ANFA Blame Each Other

The ongoing dispute has also led to competing claims from the government and ANFA.

Government officials have said the investigation into ANFA will take time because several issues dating back years need to be examined.

Officials from the suspended ANFA committee, however, have argued that government intervention is responsible for Nepal's potential absence from the tournament. One senior ANFA official claimed that FIFA would lift the suspension if ANFA were allowed to operate independently under its statutes.

These claims remain part of the ongoing dispute between the government and the football association.

Nepal’s Absence Could Affect Tournament Interest

SAFF officials have also acknowledged that Nepal's absence could affect interest in the tournament.

SAFF General Secretary Kattel said the championship would have generated significant interest in Nepal, particularly after Bangladesh, the host country.

For Nepali football, missing the 2026 SAFF Men’s Championship would mark a significant change, as the tournament has traditionally been one of the country's main regional football competitions.