The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has suspended Kenya and Zimbabwe with immediate effect for government interference. World football governing body president Gianni Infantino confirmed the decision on Thursday.
During a press conference held on Thursday after a FIFA Council meeting, Infantino confirmed his body’s decision to suspend the two countries.
“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… They know what needs to be done to get them readmitted or to have their suspension lifted,” the FIFA boss said.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Sports suspended the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) in November 2021 and appointed an interim committee that manages football activities in the country. A practice opposed by FIFA.
On the Zimbabwe side, the Federation has been suspended by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) since November 2021.
Although this commission, appointed by the government, cited certain reasons such as the alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud, to justify this action, FIFA remains against these actions.
Source: AfrikPage