Zambia ready to contest AFCON finals in case FIFA bans Zimbabwe
Zambia says they are on standby to play at the Africa Cup of Nations should Zimbabwe be banned by football’s world governing body ahead of Sunday’s start of the competition.
Zambia won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 but has not been able to compete in tournaments since 2015.
Last month, Fifa said a ban “may have to be imposed on” Zimbabwe unless the elected FA regained control of the sport from a government-appointed organisation by 3 January.
This has not happened, meaning Zambia are theoretically in line to contest the finals since they finished behind Zimbabwe in their Nations Cup qualifying group.
“We have followed keenly the development in Zimbabwe and have always remained open to being part of the Nations Cup if Zimbabwe is banned.”
“Given the length of the time, before the tournament kicks off, we would have hoped that this matter would have been resolved by now.” – Sidney Mungala, the Zambian FA’s media officer.
FIFA has opposed government intervention in the operation of affiliates and, as a result of the past, has banned the country from all forms of football.
