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World Cup qualifiers: Zimbabwe cleared by FIFA to play

By ilmogram
FIFA ends Zimbabwe suspension ahead of World Cup qualifiers.—newzimbabwe.com

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially been cleared by FIFA to take part in the African qualification competition for the 2026 World Cup after its suspension was lifted by the global governing body following an 18-month period.

The announcement was made by officials on Monday, just before the draw for the qualifiers. An interim normalization committee has been put in place to run ZIFA until new management elections take place, to ensure smooth operations during the transition period.

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Zimbabwe was suspended by FIFA in February 2022 due to alleged government interference in the running of the troubled football association. The executive committee of ZIFA was disbanded in November 2021 by the country’s Sports and Recreation Commission, a government-appointed body, following accusations of misusing funds meant for Zimbabwe’s participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

FIFA’s Bureau of the Council decided to end the suspension and set up a normalization committee, stating, “The Bureau of the FIFA Council decided to appoint a normalization committee with immediate effect and lift the suspension that was imposed on the Zimbabwe Football Association in February 2022.” The committee’s main tasks include revising the ZIFA Statutes and Electoral Code to ensure they comply with FIFA’s regulations and facilitating their adoption during the ZIFA Congress.

The normalization committee, led by local administrator Lincoln Mutasa, has been given until June 2024 to complete its duties. This important step enables Zimbabwe to join the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with the draw set to take place during the CAF Congress in Abidjan starting this Thursday. The first round of matches is due to start in November, marking the country’s comeback to competitive international football.