Zimbabwe hits back at FIFA after ban, defends interference

Suspended by FIFA for meddling in the activities of the national football association, Zimbabwe hit back Friday saying it was right to interfere due to graft and sexual abuse allegations against officials.

Governing body FIFA on Thursday suspended Zimbabwe and Kenya from participating in international football citing government interference in the running of the sport.

Zimbabwe government Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board in November last year citing various charges including graft, fraud and sexual abuse of female referees. 

FIFA ordered that the board be reinstated by January 3. 

The SRC ignored that ultimatum leading to Zimbabwe’s suspension.

The commission’s chairman Gerald Mlotshwa said in a statement that both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, were “fully aware of an insidious culture of sexual harassment perpetrated against female referees” by some soccer officials. 

But “it is clear that FIFA has interpreted these very serious charges as ‘mere allegations’,” he said.

He also said FIFA was informed of fraud and corruption prevailing at ZIFA but “placed on record extreme their reluctance” to be involved in rectifying the crisis.

Domestic football will go ahead in the meantime and Zimbabwe will return to FIFA at an appropriate time, he vowed.