President Giani Infantino confirmed that the world football governing body Fifa has banned Zimbabwe and Kenya from participating in international competitions due to government interference.
Zimbabwe Football Association has been embroiled in corruption allegations with claims of sexual harassment of female referees by the technical staff.
Zifa was suspended by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) in November 2021, and now the association is disbanded by Fifa.
Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was suspended by Kenya’s Ministry of Sports in November 2021. The ministry appointed a new committee temporarily to take charge of soccer activities in the country.
“We had to suspend two of our members, Kenya and Zimbabwe, both for government interference in the activities of football associations. The associations are suspended with immediate effect,” said Infantino on Thursday evening.
“They know what needs to be done for them to be readmitted or for their suspensions to be lifted.
“Finally, notwithstanding this suspension imposed on the FKF and in line with Fifa’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any other unethical conduct, Fifa reiterates its commitment to cooperating with any ongoing investigations regarding FKF officials.
“Fifa will, therefore, remain at the disposal of the national authorities during the suspension period.”
