…As FIFA suspends ZIFA
Fredrick Moyo
World football governing body Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) due to third-party interference following the meddling of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) in football affairs.
In a letter directed to ZIFA secretary general Joseph Mamutse, dated February 24, 2022, FIFA stated their decision to suspend ZIFA with immediate effect because of ‘scandalous violations of FIFA statutes’ hence the national association loses all its membership rights until further notice.
“The FIFA Council considered that the aforementioned circumstances were serious and constituted a clear case of undue interference by a third party. Therefore, temporarily suspend with immediate effect a member association that seriously violates its obligations – the FIFA Council decided to suspend ZIFA with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of FIFA Statutes, furthermore and without prejudice to the ongoing investigations into the allegations of sexual harassment and bribery.
“Consequently, and in accordance with article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, ZIFA loses all its membership rights as of February 24 2022 until further notice. ZIFA representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. This also means that neither the ZIFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and/or CAF,” reads part of the letter.
However, the SRC responded to the ban through a press statement on February 24, saying that FIFA is only protecting its statutes, taking issues allegations on ZIFA as mere allegations.
“In essence, it appears that FIFA is constrained by the provision of its own statutes to protect certain of the undoubted sexual predators, fraudsters and corrupt administrators at the helm of football administration in Zimbabwe.
“It is clear that FIFA has interpreted these very serious charges as ‘mere allegations’ notwithstanding its … zero tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and other unethical conduct”, reads part of the statement.
SRC added that they will hold a press meeting on February 28 to advice the nation on its road map on football and ZIFA for the year 2022.
“The SRC will hold press conference with the media on Monday February 28, 2022, at a time to be advised, in order to render more fully its view on the correspondence from FIFA, and more importantly, to advise Zimbabwe of its road map on football and ZIFA for the duration of 2022,” added the statement.
Late last year the SRC suspended entire ZIFA board with immediate effect accusing it of several transgressions including abuse of public funds and gross incompetence.
