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Nepal to miss SAFF Championship for the first time

The national team will be absent from the upcoming tournament due to an active FIFA suspension.

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News card for Nepal to miss SAFF Championship for the first time in sports category, citing OnlineKhabar English and Makalu Khabar English.

In short

  • Nepal misses the SAFF Championship for the first time in the tournament's history.
  • The participation window closed as the All Nepal Football Association remained under a FIFA ban.
  • FIFA suspended the football association on June 24 following National Sports Council intervention.

The national football team of Nepal is set to miss the SAFF Championship for the first time in the competition's history. The participation deadline of September 30 expired without the resolution of an ongoing suspension by the international governing body, preventing the country from entering the regional tournament. The 15th edition of the regional competition is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from November 4 to 17, with matches hosted in Dhaka. Group A features Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, whereas Group B comprises India, Pakistan, and the Maldives. The semifinals are set for November 14, followed by the final on November 17. FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association on June 24 following intervention by the National Sports Council, citing third-party interference. Conditions for lifting the penalty include restoring the association's autonomy and permitting its electoral process to proceed according to established statutes. Former national team captain and coach Upendra Man Singh stated that the absence deprives players of essential opportunities to secure professional contracts abroad. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel indicated on Tuesday that entry into the tournament was no longer feasible.

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https://wenepal.com/article/nepal-to-miss-saff-championship-for-the-first-time-20261001

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