FIFA lifted the suspension of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on July 10, 2023. The suspension had been imposed in February 2022 due to perceived government interference in the association’s operations.
This development comes just days before the draw for the African qualification competition for the 2026 World Cup.
With the suspension lifted, Zimbabwe will now be able to participate in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. They have been placed in Group G, along with Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Malawi. The first round of qualifiers is scheduled to take place in September and October 2023.
In addition to lifting the suspension, FIFA has appointed an interim normalisation committee to oversee ZIFA’s affairs until new management elections are held.
This committee, led by local administrator Lincoln Mutasa, has been given until June 2024 to fulfill its responsibilities.
The suspension on Zimbabwean football has been lifted. This is a significant development for the country’s football. It enables the national team to participate in international competitions again.
Additionally, it opens up the chance to qualify for the World Cup, which hasn’t been achieved since 2006. Moreover, the lifting of the suspension contributes to bringing stability back to ZIFA. It also creates an opportunity for the election of a new management team.
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