The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has clarified the reasons behind the non-selection of senior midfielder Marshall Munetsi for the Warriors’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, insisting the decision was strictly medical, procedural, and regulatory.
ZIFA said the process was guided by CAF competition regulations and the FIFA Club Protection Programme, which governs player release, insurance coverage, and liability. The association stressed that player health and welfare remain its “overriding priority” in all national team decisions.
ZIFA confirmed that it maintained continuous and formally documented communication with Munetsi’s club regarding his medical condition and availability for international duty. Medical reports provided by the club indicated that the player was managing an injury at the time the final squad was being compiled. Under FIFA rules, injuries that exist at the start of international duty fall outside automatic insurance coverage unless strict medical and procedural conditions are met.
Related Stories
Despite Munetsi’s expressed willingness to represent Zimbabwe while injured, ZIFA said it formally requested written club consent and a liability waiver. “This documentation is a critical prerequisite under the FIFA Club Protection Programme,” the association said, noting that it is required to manage compensation, insurance exposure, and liability when injured players are released for international matches.
ZIFA stated that the mandatory documentation had not been received by the CAF deadline for AFCON squad submission. “In the absence of these clearances, ZIFA could not lawfully, responsibly, or ethically include Mr. Marshall Munetsi in the final squad,” the statement said, adding that doing so would have exposed both the association and the player’s club to uninsured risk and regulatory non-compliance.
As a result, the head coach proceeded with players who were fully fit, medically cleared, insured, and procedurally eligible. ZIFA reiterated that Munetsi’s omission was “purely medical, procedural, and regulatory, guided by player welfare imperatives, CAF competition rules, and the FIFA Club Protection Programme, without malice, bias, or administrative impropriety.”
The association also paid tribute to Munetsi, placing on record its “deep appreciation” for his professionalism, leadership, and exemplary service to the Warriors over many years. ZIFA said the midfielder has consistently represented Zimbabwe “with distinction and pride” and remains a valued member of the national football family, with the association looking forward to his return once he is fully fit and medically cleared.
Leave Comments