The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has been exposed after the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) revealed the reason behind the cancellation of the friendly match between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The match was scheduled to be played on 23 December at the National Sports Stadium to celebrate Zimbabwe’s new President, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Contrary to ZIFA, FAZ revealed that the decision to cancel the friendly match was made after ZIFA was informed by FIFA that the game was not going to be accorded international friendly status. ZIFA has issued a statement saying that the match was cancelled due to the non-availability of National Sports Stadium which is booked for a wedding on the same date. Below is the full statement by FAZ:
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform members of the general public and the football family that the planned friendly match between Zambia and Zimbabwe has been cancelled.
This was after the host nation through the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZFA) told FAZ that they were unable to host the match after FIFA informed them that the match was not going to be accorded international friendly status.
However, the Football Association of Zambia will continue with preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the team in the second week of camping in Lusaka.Zambia is in the middle of preparations for the CHAN that will be held in Morocco from January 12 to February 4.
The Chipolopolo is in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Namibia and Uganda.FAZ will in due course announce the itinerary of the team before finally departing for Morocco.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Desmond Katongo
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
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