THE Sports and Recreation Commission has expressed satisfaction over engagements with officials from the world football governing body, Fifa as well as the Confederation of African Football (Caf) who have been on a fact-finding mission in the country since Monday this week.
SRC revealed last night that it held “productive meetings” with the representatives that it hopes will enhance Zimbabwe’s hopes of a return to the international football family.
Fifa suspended Zimbabwe’s membership in February last year for third-party interference by the government-appointed SRC.
“Throughout the week, Fifa and Caf engaged with various stakeholders and officials involved in Zimbabwean football to gather their perspectives. A common sentiment among these stakeholders was the need for strong, lawful governance structures to support Zimbabwe's return to international football, as well as a commitment to implementing necessary reforms for the sport's future development and success in the country,” SRC said in a statement.
“The SRC has also been involved in productive discussions with Fifa and Caf, including Cosafa, with a mutual goal of resolving the issues surrounding the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa). The conversations have been marked by good faith from all parties and a genuine interest in advancing solutions. The outcomes of these discussions have been promising, with the SRC, Caf, and Fifa generally agreeing on the next steps to address Zifa’s current situation.”
The SRC commended all football stakeholders for their support of its move to suspend the Felton Kamambo-led Zifa board during their deliberations with Fifa representatives early this week.
“The commission deeply appreciates the firm support and positions taken by all stakeholders involved in this week's consultations. These stakeholders have been clear about the changes needed in Zimbabwean football and have collectively called for a swift resolution to Zifa's challenges,” the SRC said.
“The SRC acknowledges and accepts these calls for action and commits to utilising the positive relationships it has built with Fifa and Caf over the past year, particularly during this week's meetings, to work towards resolving Zifa's encumbered status. The public will receive further updates on this matter, particularly during the first week of May 2023.”
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While the SRC did not reveal the issues they agreed with representatives from both Fifa and Caf, sources told NewDay Sport that the three bodies had all accepted that there is no way back for ousted Zifa president Felton Kamambo and some members of his board.
