World governing body FIFA has ordered the Zimbabwe government to reinstate the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) secretariat by January 3, 2022.
Zimbabwe government through Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended ZIFA secretariat on 16 November 2021 citing gross incompetence, failure to account for public funds and sexual abuse of female referees.
That action breaks FIFA’s rules on government interference in the running of national associations and the world governing body says that unless Zimbabwe back down, the federation will be suspended.
“We kindly ask you to inform the SRC that in the event its decision to suspend the ZIFA executive committee members and to appoint a ‘restructuring committee’ instead are not reversed before 3 January 2022 at the latest, we would have no other choice, but to submit the present matter to the Bureau of FIFA Council for consideration and decision,” reads part of the letter.
“Without prejudice to the above, we would like to highlight that FIFA is committed to investigating the aforesaid allegations brought forward by the SRC as soon as the latter has shared with our independent judicial bodies all relevant documentation brought before ordinary courts in Zimbabwe and for which we understand no decision has been taken by these courts to date.
Suspension would cover national team and club matches in African competitions, referees as well as the funds that flows from FIFA to national associations.
Zimbabwe is due to take part in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals which get underway on January 9 in Cameroon.
The Warriors have named a depleted provisional 30-man squad will begin training on 23 December in Harare and the final 28 players will be selected on 31 December.
