FIFA end ban on Zimbabwe

Knowledge Musona of Zimbabwe celebrates goal with teammates during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals football match between Zimbabwe and Guinea at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 18 January 2022 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jul 11, 2023. 13:16

Zimbabwe are eligible to compete in international competitions once more after FIFA lifted its 18-month ban on the African country’s governing body.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) was suspended in February 2022 over perceived interference in the organisation’s running by the government, which is strictly prohibited by FIFA.

Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission ordered the ZIFA executive committee be disbanded in November 2021 following claims that they misappropriated funds granted for the Warriors’ participation at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The national team took part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, but were banned for the AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign along with Kenya, leaving two group with just three nations each.

However, Zimbabwe will now feature in the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which takes place for African teams in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Thursday.

The news will be greeted by Shepherd Murape’s side, who saw their double-headers against Morocco, South Africa and Liberia cancelled between June 2022 and September 2023.

The first round of World Cup qualification fixtures are scheduled for November.