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The new development will see the country readmitted into the world soccer fraternity.
Zimbabwe has welcomed the move by FIFA to lift a long-standing suspension it had imposed on the country.
The COSAFA nation will now be able to compete in international games, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifications. Just like Kenya, the South African nation was unable to take part in the previous AFCON qualification when the Zurich body, in February 2022, excommunicated it because of the government's interference in football matters.
The government made attempts to take over the running of the Zimbabwe Football Association on the grounds that it had failed to account for some funds and did not investigate alleged cases of sexual abuse toward female players by football officials. Although the situation has yet to be resolved completely, FIFA chose to lift the ban.
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10:54 - 12.07.2023
FOOTBALL: Harambee Stars to know 2026 World Cup African opponents tomorrow
Kenya's football hopes hinge on the outcome of the highly anticipated draw.
The country's sports minister, Kirsty Coventry, welcomed the ban, saying, "Hundred percent, it was worth it.
"It was hard, it came at a cost that we all knew before we took the decision, but to get to this final stage, where we can sit down and finally agree on [a] way forward, that is going to benefit us as a country. One hundred and ten percent, it was worth it."
Lincoln Mutasa, the chairman of a normalization committee that was mandated by FIFA to hold elections for the Zimbabwe FA and investigate the sexual abuse and corruption allegations, explained the negative impact of the ban.
"It was hurting not only the sportspeople but ourselves, all the sports parents," he said. "You put so many hours into trying to get your kid to excel in a sport; when this doesn't happen or when this is frustrated, it's a big mountain to climb. So, I am really delighted for all parties involved in finding each other."
FIFA's manager for development programs in Africa, Solomon Mudege, called for open communication between all the stakeholders involved.
"I can assure you that in the coming days you will see a more transparent FIFA, how they share what is important and how they share investments from governments, and investments from FIFA. It's something that we are proud of," Mudege said.
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19:00 - 11.07.2023
FOOTBALL ‘It’s a new team’ - Muguna defends Harambee Stars’ poor results as he calls for patience
The newly-signed Kenya Police midfielder feels supporters should not be so hard on Engin Firat’s men since they are ‘still learning'.
"So there is no change in FIFA's approach. What we encourage is more engagement. We shouldn't talk to each other [only] in situations of crisis and conflict."
Kenya saw its suspension lifted when the new Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, engaged FIFA once he assumed office.
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