Football’s
world governing body FIFA has expelled Zimbabwe from the 2018 World Cup
qualifying for failing to pay former coach Jose Claudinei Georgini. FIFA who
made this known in a statement said that it had taken the action “as a result
of the non-payment of an outstanding debt”. FIFA added that Zimbabwe’s Football
Association (ZIFA) failed to make the payments despite a grace period. FIFA’s
actions puts paid to Zimbabwe’s chances of reaching the finals in Russia before
the Warriors have even kicked a ball. The African zone qualifiers are due to
kick off in October, with the draw to be made in St Petersburg in July.
Zimbabwe have never qualified for the World Cup. Brazilian Georgini, nicknamed
Valinhos, managed the national team from January to November 2008. He has been
owed money since and ZIFA was first ordered by Fifa in 2012 to pay him.
Zimbabwe were given several deadlines and warnings but the debut remains
outstanding. Fifa said Zimbabwe did not appeal against its expulsion. ZIFA is
in dire financial trouble, with debts of more than US$4m, and was recently
forced to auction assets from its FIFA-financed training centre to settle a
legal dispute with a former employee.
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