Munetsi Implores Govt "To Do The Right Thing" For FIFA Ban To Be Lifted
France-based Warriors midfielder Marshall Munetsi has implored the Zimbabwean government “to do the right thing” so that FIFA’s suspension of the country from international football is lifted.
FIFA banned Zimbabwe from global football in February because of governmental interference in the running of the game, which is contrary to FIFA statutes.
The suspension came after the government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board in November 2021.
SRC suspended the ZIFA executives because of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud.
Speaking to BBC Africa, Munetsi said the FIFA ban has stunted the growth of football in the country and that of its players. He said:
This ban has affected young players who have the ambition to be like me by coming to Europe.
It’s playing for the national team which 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.
If our government doesn’t respect this, then we don’t deserve to play. I just hope the government can do the right thing and make sure we are able to play in the coming games.
Meanwhile, the SRC says the suspension is unlikely to be lifted before April 2023.
Zimbabwe was excluded from qualifiers for the 2023 Nations Cup because of the ban.
