The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has suspended the ZIFA board with immediate effect, citing gross incompetence as the reason behind the decision.
The suspension of the football board comes shortly after Zimbabwe failed horribly in their quest to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Warriors failed to pick up a single win from their six matches against Ghana, South Africa and Ethiopia respectively, thereby finishing bottom of group G with only two points.
In a statement, the Sports Commission said they had activated section 30 (i) (c) of the SRC Act to suspend the ZIFA board;
“This decision has been considered following several incidences of gross incompetence on the part of ZIFA, such conduct and/or omissions being contrary to the national interests, as provided for in terms of section 30 (i) (c) of the SRC Act,” read the statement.
The SRC cited at least seven reasons that influenced the decision to suspend the ZIFA board. These are as follows;
“(1) Mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds with specific reference to the letter issued to ZIFA on the 3rd of July 2019 where ZIFA was asked to account fully for the use of public funds in the aftermath of the 2019 AFCON campaign. This letter has not being responded to at all.
” (2) The sending of national teams outside Zimbabwe without Covid-19 clearances from SRC.
“(3) The SRC is also in receipt of a report of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by key technical stuff within ZIFA. Despite several requests for the matter to be decisively dealt with, ZIFA did not give the matter adequate attention in view of its gravity. Whereas the nation has made significant strides in empowering the girl child to be an active participant in sports, incidences of sexual harassment should conclusively dealt with to enable a conducive environment for the participation of all.
“(4) Failure to address gender imbalances relating to the treatment of female national teams compared to their male counterparts in terms of allowances, up-keep and unfavourable operating conditions.
“(5) Failure to address and make appropriate investment of the development fund as provided by FIFA for grassroot and junior football development.
“(6) No evidence of any meaningful development at grassroot level.
“(7) A looming constitutional crisis within ZIFA viz pending elections.
However, prominent lawyer and MDC Alliance leader Tendai Biti believes that the SRC chaired by President Mnangagwa’s son-in-law, Gerald Nqobile Mlotshwa, is captured and also has no constitutional right to suspend the ZIFA board.
Meanwhile, The SRC’s decision to suspend the ZIFA board could mount more problems for Zimbabwean football with FIFA likely to bar Zimbabwe from participating in the Africa Cup of Nations as it disapproves of governmental interference in the running of member associations.
