FIFA banned Zimbabwe, Kenya over government interference

FIFA banned Zimbabwe and Kenya from international competitions for government interference in the running of their national soccer bodies. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the bans. Zimbabwe was banned after its government-run Sports and Recreation Commission refused to relinquish control of the Zimbabwe Football Association and reinstate the federation’s leadership.

Kenya was banned after its sports ministry also removed the soccer federation’s leaders and accused them of corruption. Kenyan soccer president Nick Mwendwa is facing criminal charges. Zimbabwe and Kenya national teams and clubs can’t play in any international competitions. Funds from FIFA are also cut off. The bans on the two African nations will be lifted if their governments allow the federations to operate normally again. FIFA said it will cooperate with investigations into alleged corruption and sexual harassment by Zimbabwe soccer officials.