CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has accused the government of being responsible for FIFA's suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), claiming that political interference led to the international sanction.

Speaking at a program organized by the Nepal Sports Federation in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Oli said the government should stop interfering in sports institutions and allow them to function independently.

He urged party-affiliated sports organizations to work toward ending political interference in the sports sector and restoring ANFA's position in international football.

Oli also appealed to athletes, officials, and sports stakeholders not to lose morale because of FIFA's action against ANFA. He expressed confidence that Nepal could regain its place in international football if appropriate reforms are implemented.

According to Oli, meaningful change in the sports sector requires reforms from the grassroots rather than superficial changes at the top. He stressed that strengthening sports infrastructure and institutions would help Nepal produce internationally competitive athletes.

The former prime minister also claimed that his government had made significant contributions to the development of Nepal's sports sector and said continued investment in sports is essential for enhancing the country's international image