Zimbabwe through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) chairman Gerald Mlothswa have castigated FIFA for banning the country from participating in international matches.
The letter written by Mlothswa noted that Zimbabwe's sports regulatory body was not moved by the decision by FIFA and they would not act in accordance with the demands given.
Zimbabwe and Kenya were both banned by FIFA for government interference in football matters.
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“We, at the SRC, act decisively within the confines of the laws of Zimbabwe, in particular the Sports and Recreation Commission Act as well as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
“FIFA statutes are not a part of the laws of Zimbabwe. Conversely, ZIFA, and indeed all other national sports associations in the country, are subject to the laws of Zimbabwe. It is for this reason that they, and their respective constitutions, are registered with the SRC.
“FIFA recognizes ZIFA as the sole governing body for football administration in Zimbabwe by virtue of its registration with the SRC," the statement read.
The SRC suspended its football governing body ZIFA over allegations that its officials had misused the public funds allocated to them among other issues.
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In December 2021 FIFA had threatened to sanction Zimbabwean football if they did not reinstate ZIFA.
FIFA, while effecting its ban on February 24, finally ordered that Felton Kamambo and the rest of his administration be reinstated for the ban to be lifted.
“Both FIFA and CAF are fully aware of an insidious culture of sexual harassment perpetrated against female football referees in Zimbabwe. For the eighteen months elapsed since these allegations were brought to their respective attention, neither body has initiated any tangible investigation focused on culprits whose names are known to them.
“The instances of fraud and corruption within the corridors of ZIFA have also been brought to the attention of FIFA, who have placed on record their extreme reluctance to involve themselves in remedying this deplorable state of affairs.
“The SRC has a documented and demonstrable “zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical conduct” in the administration of sport in Zimbabwe. It does not pay mere lip service to the same,” part of the letter read.
Zimbabwe noted that they remain committed to finding a solution to the matter in accordance with their laws.
“Pending any such compromise, the ZIFA Executive Committee and the General Secretary shall remain suspended. The various matters pending before the Courts in Zimbabwe shall continue as shall the criminal proceedings and all other actions focused on restructuring football in our country.
“Domestic football will continue in Zimbabwe. It will be supported fully by the SRC, as it has been the demonstrable case so far. ZIFA will return to the “FIFA Family '' when it is in a condition fit to do so,” part of the statement read.
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