Harare, November (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s ever-bungling national football association has been suspended, the country’s sports body announced on Tuesday.

The suspension of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) was made by the Sports and Recreation Commission.

Commission chairperson, Gerald Mlotshwa announced the suspension, citing gross incompetence and other maladministration cases by Zifa.

The Felton Kamambo led board is accused of gross incompetence, sexual abuse and failure to account for public funds.

Said the SRC;“The Sports and Recreation Commission hereby informs the public that upon extensive consultations and further deliberations on matters relating to governance and management of football in Zimbabwe, the SRC Board has with immediate effect suspended the ZIFA Board in
accordance with the Sports and Recreation Act.

“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.”

Other reasons which led to the suspension of the ZIFA board include mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds in the aftermath of the 2019 AFCON campaign.

“Failure to address and make appropriate investment of the development fund as provided by FIFA for grassroots and junior football development. No evidence of any meaningful development at grassroots
level,” said the commission.

The SRC said it was also in receipt of alleged sexual harassment of female technical staff within ZIFA.

“Despite several requests for the matter to be decisively dealt with,ZIFA did not give the matter adequate attention in view of its gravity,” it said.

New Ziana