World football governing body FIFA says that government interference in Zimbabwean football could lead to sanctions.
The Zimbabwean government has recently threatened to dissolve the current Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA) board as they look to improve the country’s footballing fortunes.
However, following some remarks made by Deputy minister Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga in parliament last week, FIFA were quick to send a warning, in the form of a letter to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as ZIFA, part of which read: "We have learnt from media reports that the Zimbabwean authorities have supposedly discussed the possibility to disband the ZIFA board.
The Zimbabwean government has recently threatened to dissolve the current Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA) board as they look to improve the country’s footballing fortunes.
However, following some remarks made by Deputy minister Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga in parliament last week, FIFA were quick to send a warning, in the form of a letter to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as ZIFA, part of which read: "We have learnt from media reports that the Zimbabwean authorities have supposedly discussed the possibility to disband the ZIFA board.
"Should the allegations be proven true we would like to remind you that articles 13 and 17 of FIFA statues ZIFA has to manage football affairs without influence of any third parties.
"Failure to do so would be considered violation of FIFA statues and ZIFA would be subject to sanctions including a suspension.
"In addition, the suspension will only be lifted once the status quo would be restored.
"A suspension would mean that all FIFA member associations would not maintain sporting contacts with ZIFA and that ZIFA would not benefit from any program or financial assistance from CAF or ZIFA."
"Failure to do so would be considered violation of FIFA statues and ZIFA would be subject to sanctions including a suspension.
"In addition, the suspension will only be lifted once the status quo would be restored.
"A suspension would mean that all FIFA member associations would not maintain sporting contacts with ZIFA and that ZIFA would not benefit from any program or financial assistance from CAF or ZIFA."
By: Farai Diza
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