Kathmandu, Oct.17: A representative of FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, met Minister of State for Education Dhilendra Prasad Badu Tuesday to discuss a split in the organization steering football in Nepal, officials said.

FIFA representative and Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation Manipal Fernando also discussed the issue with President of the Nepal Olympic Committee Rukma Shumshere Rana and Member Secretary of the National Sports Council Binod Shanker Palikhe Tuesday.

Fernando had come to observe Monday’s elections of the rival All Nepal Football Association which re-elected Ganesh Thapa and other executive members unanimously despite official orders calling it illegal.

The National Sports Council, Nepal’s supreme sports body, headed by Education Minister Amod Prasad Upadhaya declared Thapa’s body illegal and appointed Mrs.Gita Rana head of the ANFA to conduct its daily affairs.

Fernando met Badu as Upadhaya is in Norway on an official visit. Fernando said he will report the split to the legal body of FIFA on October 26. There are now two ANFAs– one recognized by the government and a rival .

Nepal’s most popular sport will suffer temporarily until FIFA gives its final verdict, sports observers said.