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LONDON. — Zimbabwe international Marshall Munetsi says he hopes for quick resolution of the impasse that led to Zimbabwe’s suspension by FIFA.
The Warriors midfielder told BBC Sport Africa that the suspension of his country from international football has cast a shadow over the future of the sport and stunted the growth of its players.
Zimbabwe were banned from global football in February because of ”third party” interference in the running of the game, which the sport’s world governing body outlaws.
That sanction came after the ZIFA board was suspended by the Sports and Recreation Commission last November because of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud within ZIFA.
Last month, former ZIFA official Obert Zhoya was suspended from the sport for five years and fined by FIFA after being adjudged to have sexually harassed three female referees.
“This ban has affected young players who have an ambition to be like me by coming to Europe,” Reims midfielder Munetsi told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s playing for my national team that gave me the opportunity to play against big countries and big players. It’s something that is sad and frustrating for us as a country, and for players.
“It’s a very complicated topic and I just hope the people involved can solve this because FIFA puts these rules (in place) to protect football.”
Zimbabwe played at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon earlier this year but were then excluded from qualifiers for the 2023 Nations Cup because of the ban.
The Sports Commission says the suspension is unlikely to be lifted before April 2023 as it continues its quest to ensure Zimbabwe’s football administration is fit for purpose in future.
“It is unlikely that any formal request will be made to FIFA to lift Zimbabwe’s suspension until after the first quarter of 2023 subsequent to ZIFA having held its elections under a new constitution that guarantees the continuation of the reform process,” the Sports Commission told BBC Sport Africa.
Alleged sexual harassment of referees was one of the Sports Commission’s chief reasons for suspending the ZIFA board but despite Zhoya’s ban, a defiant Sports Commission are yet to relinquish control of football back to ZIFA. — BBCsport.
Online Reporter