ZIFA Defends Munetsi Exclusion Amid AFCON Storm
By Loyd Matare
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) says the exclusion of England-based midfielder Marshall Munetsi from the Warriors’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad was based strictly on medical, procedural and regulatory grounds.
This follows mounting tension after Munetsi publicly stated that he believed he was fit to play despite managing an injury at the time of selection.
In a statement issued today, ZIFA said Munetsi’s non-selection followed “official, continuous, and fully documented communication” with his club regarding his medical status and availability for international duty.
“Player health and welfare remain ZIFA’s overriding priority.
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“Medical information formally provided by the club confirmed that Mr Marshall Munetsi was managing an injury at the time final squad decisions were being made,” ZIFA said.
The association cited the FIFA Club Protection Programme as a key factor in the decision.
“Under the FIFA Club Protection Programme, injuries existing at the commencement of international duty fall outside automatic insurance coverage unless strict procedural and medical conditions are satisfied.
“Following Mr Marshall Munetsi’s expressed willingness to represent Zimbabwe despite the injury, ZIFA formally requested a written letter of consent and a liability waiver from his club,” the statement said.
However, ZIFA said the documentation was not received in time.
“In the absence of these clearances, ZIFA could not lawfully, responsibly, or ethically include Mr Munetsi in the final squad,” the association said, warning that inclusion would have exposed both the association and the player’s club to uninsured risk.
As a result, ZIFA said the head coach had “no alternative but to proceed with players who were fully fit, medically cleared, insured, and procedurally eligible,” while defended its Secretariat, exonerating official Kudzai Chitima amid online attacks.
“Secretariat officials do not make technical team selection decisions and act professionally, lawfully, and strictly within their administrative mandates,” ZIFA said, condemning hate speech and threats directed at officials.
