By Darlington Mutsvairi
THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) on Tuesday suspended the entire Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board citing gross incompetence, mismanagement and lack of accountability in how public funds were utilised by the football administrators.
The SRC said it reached the decision following some notable gross incompetence by the football governing body in the country.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) hereby informs the public that upon extensive consultations and further deliberations on matters relating to the governance and management of football in Zimbabwe, the SRC body has with immediate effect suspended the ZIFA board in accordance with the Sports and Recreation Act,” the SRC said in a statement.
“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 interest, as provided for in terms of Section 30 (i) (c) of the SRC Act.”
Chief among issues of incompetence cited by the SRC against ZIFA is its failure to account for public funds provided during the last Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2019 and the alleged sexual harassment of female referees.
Some football analysts fear that Zimbabwe risks being banned by world football governing body, FIFA from participating in any football activities as FIFA disapproves government interference in the running of football.
However, the international football governing body is yet to make a comment on the issue.
