Fifa suspends Kenya and Zimbabwe over government interference

 

The Fédération of International Football Association (Fifa) has suspended Kenyan and Zimbabwean football federations due to government interference.

This was contained in a statement by FIFA on Thursday February 24.

“Without prejudice to investigations by national authorities or other judiciary bodies, the FIFA Council has decided to suspend the Kenya Football Federation and the Zimbabwe Football Federation with immediate effect for undue influence by a third party,” part of the statement read.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave details on the reasons for the suspensions, referring at a press conference to “government interference in the activities of the football federation”. 

The world soccer body ordered Zimbabwe to reinstate its soccer officials by Jan. 3 but delayed any action, allowing Zimbabwe to compete at the men’s African Cup of Nations in Cameroon in January and February.

The bans on the two African nations will be lifted if their governments allow the federations to operate normally again.

“They know what needs to be done for the suspension to be lifted,” he added.

FIFA said it will cooperate with investigations into alleged corruption and sexual harassment by Zimbabwe soccer officials.