FIFA has sanctioned Zimbabwe. In the crosshairs of the body headed by Gianni Infantino for several months, the country now knows its punishment. A suspension from all football-related activities.
It's been hanging over Zimbabwe's head for several weeks. Now it's official. FIFA has decided to suspend the country from all its functions in the body. This sanction follows accusations of government interference in the running of football. At the end of 2021, the Zimbabwean government suspended the board of the Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA). FIFA had warned the government.
On Thursday 24 February 2022, world football's governing body took action. It published a press release to make official the sanction against Zimbabwe. The statement reads.
"On 21 December 2021, FIFA sent a letter to ZIFA to remind all parties once again of the content of article 14 paragraph 1 i) and article 19 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes (...). Consequently, and in accordance with article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, the ZIFA loses all its membership rights as of 24 February 2022 until further notice. ZIFA representatives and club teams are therefore no longer allowed to participate in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. This also means that neither the ZIFA nor any of its members or officials can benefit from any FIFA and/or CAF development, course or training programs.''
FIFA on the lookout for corruption
A sanction that could nevertheless come to an end. If and only if the government commits itself to letting the Federation manage football in Zimbabwe. FIFA has also reiterated its zero tolerance of sexual abuse and corruption.
"Finally, notwithstanding this suspension imposed on ZIFA and in line with FIFA's zero tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical behavior, FIFA reiterates its commitment to cooperate with any ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and corruption by ZIFA officials. FIFA will therefore remain at the disposal of national authorities and complainants regarding the above during the suspension period."
