Nepal Out of SAFF Championship Due to FIFA Suspension
Summary
Nepal will miss the 15th SAFF Championship for the first time in its history after FIFA’s suspension of ANFA was not lifted before the participation deadline. The tournament in Dhaka will now feature only six teams, while Nepali football continues to suffer setbacks from the ongoing ban.
Key Points
- Nepal has been ruled out of the 15th SAFF Championship after FIFA’s suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) remained in place past the September 30 deadline.
- This is the first time Nepal will miss the SAFF Championship, ending its run of participation in all 14 previous editions.
- SAFF will now stage the tournament in Dhaka with six teams: Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka in Group A, and India, Pakistan and Maldives in Group B.
- FIFA suspended ANFA on June 24 over third-party interference, and the suspension has already caused Nepal to miss other international football events.
