FAZ : Zambia Ready to Replace Zimbabwe at AFCON in Case of FIFA Ban
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have confirmed it is on standby to replace Zimbabwe at the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations amidst a looming FIFA ban on the latter.
Zimbabwe face the likelihood of being barred from competing at the AFCON that gets underway this Sunday after FIFA guided last month that unless the elected FA regained control of the sport from a government-appointed organisation by 3 January, it may be handed a ban from international football.
However, the Sport Recreation Commission (SRC), a state body, remain in charge of football in Zimbabwe leaving Zambia next in line to come in as replacements at the finals to be held in Cameroon.
FAZ spokesperson, Sydney Mungala confirmed the association had been following the turn of events and are on standby to compete at the AFCON after a six year absence.
“We have followed keenly the development in Zimbabwe and have always remained open to being part of the Nations Cup if Zimbabwe is banned,” Mungala told BBC Sport Africa.
“Given the length of the time before the tournament kicks off, we would have hoped that this matter would have been resolved by now.”
Zambia are poised to replace the Warriors in an event FIFA applies sanctions on their neighbours, having finished third their qualifying group behind Zimbabwe and Algeria.
Meanwhile, due to limited time frame for proper call-ups and notifications, Chipolopolo will face the possibility of having to go into the tournament without their British-based talismanic trio of Leicester City striker Patson Daka, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu and Scottish Premiership giants Rangers forward Fashion Sakala.
“It would definitely present a challenge but we believe the CAF/FIFA regulations would be able to help us should the situation arise where we become part of the Nations Cup,” he said.
“Additionally, we believe our players would relish the opportunity to represent their country at the continent’s biggest showpiece.”
Zimbabwe are set to contest Group B alongside favourites Senegal against whom they open their campaign on January 10th, with Guinea and Malawi completing the line up.
https://bollazambia.com/2022/01/faz-zambia-ready-to-replace-zimbabwe-at-afcon-in-case-of-fifa-ban/
