Zimbabwe Risk Ban For Government Interference In ZIFA

Zimbabwe could be hit with an international ban by FIFA for government interference in the country’s football administration.

Zimbabwe’s government through Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) dissolved the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Tuesday.

Under FIFA rules, national football associations must not be subject to government control.

SRC on Tuesday said the suspension follows evidence of ‘gross incompetence on the part of the country’s football governing body.

Other allegations include alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud.

“Despite several requests for the matter to be decisively dealt with, ZIFA did not give the matter adequate attention in view of its gravity,” said the statement.

“Whereas the nation has made significant strides in empowering the girl child to be an active participant in sports, incidences of sexual harassment should be conclusively dealt with to enable a conducive environment for participation by all.”

Zimbabwe is due to take part in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals which get underway on January 9 in Cameroon, and the move by the SRC could threaten the country’s participation.

The Warriors ended their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying group without a win and collected two points out of a possible 18.