It has come to ZIFA’s attention that there is confusion within the football family emanating from the relaxation of lock-down conditions by the government to level 2.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to advise all football stakeholders that football activities remain suspended until further notice.
As is the norm, the path to normalcy shall be derived from the policies implemented by the Government of the Republic and guidance from CAF and FIFA.
In support of the government’s decision the association notes that the only important issue at the moment is the safety and health of all football stakeholders and the nation as a whole.
ZIFA is confident that football will return soon to play its part in the healing and resuscitating our beautiful nation.
The threat posed by the virus is real and we advise all stakeholders to remain vigilant and patient as the battle against COVID-19 draws to an inevitable end.
ZIFA is indebted to many football stakeholders both institutional and individuals, who have used their role model appeal to reach out to the public with messages of hope and advice on how to fight the pandemic with some going to the extent of raising financial and material assistance to fight the scourge. This show of unity is unparalleled and must be commended.
We derive confidence from the government’s containment measures which demonstrate that there is progress in the nation’s fight against COVID-19.
As the wait for the return to normal daily activities continues, we encourage everyone to play their part in keeping their families, communities and the nation safe.
In its meeting on the 3 May 2020, the ZIFA Emergency Committee also noted that other football associations were planning to resume football operations around August/
September 2020 and has tentatively set this date as to when our leagues will commence should our government announce the complete end of the lock-down any day before the envisaged dates. The resumption of football activities will also be done in consultation with CAF and FIFA. For ZIFA, should the season begin in September, that will see us also aligning our football calendar with the rest of the world.
Further, and as part of the resolutions, the Executive Committee also approved submissions from the finance committee and directed as follows:
1. ZIFA to pay sportsman levy on behalf of our affiliate members to the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) for 24 500 registered athletes and officials. The disbursements to the SRC to be done immediately.
2. It was also resolved that due to Covid-19, the top 80 referees to be paid an allowance of ZWL 2 000.00 each since some of them were not formally employed.
3. Moreover, the Emergency Committee also authorised the disbursement of an administration grant to all affiliate members to help mitigate the Covid19 effects.The quantum of the grant per affiliate is equivalent to the 2020 subscription fees paid or payable by the respective affiliate.
The grant will be immediately disbursed to all paid up members and will be deducted from the ZIFA administration operations budget for 2020.
In order to ensure all affiliates benefit, those who have not yet paid their affiliation will have their grant set off against their dues to ZIFA, at which point they will be deemed fully paid up.
Though not sufficient to address all challenges, the Emergency Committee hopes that the financial injection will go a long way in assisting the affiliates.
The Executive Committee continues to pursue other means to alleviate stakeholders’ financial distress during and post-Covid19.
FULL TEXT: ZIFA Statement On State Of Football And Start Of Premier Soccer League
