Why did FIFA suspend Zimbabwe & Kenya from international competitions? Here's all we know

international football governing body, FIFA suspended national teams of Zimbabwe and Kenya from international competitions, citing major issues with respective national football governing bodies. FIFA banned both football teams for government interference in runnings of ir soccer bodies. As per ban, both national football teams and clubs will not be able to partake in any international competitions. In meantime, funds from FIFA will also be cut-off until bans have been lifted.

Why did FIFA ban Zimbabwe?

As per a report by AP, FIFA barred Zimbabwe after its Sport and Recreation Commission, a government-run body refused to stop controlling Zimbabwe Football Association and reinstate leership of ZIFA. Earlier in November 2021, ZIFA officials were removed from office over allegations of corruption. international football body h ordered Zimbabwe to reinstate ZIFA officials by January 3 but delayed any action. Zimbabwe was allowed to compete at 2021 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Cameroon in January and February.

Why did FIFA ban Kenya?

Kenya was banned after its federation leers were removed by sports ministry on accusations of corruption. Kenyan soccer president Nick Mwendwa is currently facing criminal charges. Kenyan women’s football team has been alrey thrown out of qualifying tournament for AFCON due to ongoing crisis. 

bans were announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday. AP’s report states that bans on both African nations will be lifted only if respective governments allow national soccer bodies to function normally. FIFA assured that it will cooperate with investigations regarding alleged corruption and sexual harassment by Zimbabwe soccer officials.

Russia-Ukraine war takes a hit on FIFA and UEFA events

While FIFA imposed bans on Zimbabwe and Kenya, world was sent into a shock after coming to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vlimir Putin waged war on its neighbours on Thursday. Meanwhile, major sporting events across globe have alrey started making changes to ir fixtures owing to raging Russia-Ukraine war.

Poland, Czech Republic, and Sweden football associations have alrey refused to travel to Russia for ir FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying matches. federations also requested FIFA to cancel its upcoming matches in Russia. UEFA announced on Friday, that Champions League 2021 final will now be played in Paris, inste of being held in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

(Image: AP)