The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has prohibited Zimbabwe from hosting international matches until further notice, citing the poor condition of the country’s stadiums, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed on Wednesday.
None of Zimbabwe’s three main stadiums passed CAF’s inspection, meaning none are currently authorized to host international fixtures. As a result, the national team will be forced to play its upcoming matches on neutral ground. This decision directly affects Zimbabwe’s match against Algeria national football team, scheduled for March as part of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
In an official statement, ZIFA apologized to “all stakeholders in football” and acknowledged the severity of the situation. Spokesperson Mr. Gwesela admitted, “We have been using stadiums that do not meet the requirements of CAF and FIFA for some time now, we must react,” underscoring the urgent need for action to meet international standards.
Zimbabwe is set to host Algeria on March 29, marking the fourth matchday of the six-game AFCON qualifying series. Following that, the national team will enter the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in October, competing in a group alongside Ghana national football team, South Africa national football team, and Ethiopia national football team. Until the stadiums meet CAF standards, all home matches will need to be played in a foreign venue.
ZIFA is urging all stakeholders, including the government, to mobilize resources to renovate the nation’s aging and dilapidated stadiums. Without improvements, Zimbabwe risks losing the ability to host international fixtures entirely.
The stadium ban reflects the broader challenges facing the country. Zimbabwe has endured an economic crisis for over two decades, recently exacerbated by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and frequent power cuts. The state of the sporting infrastructure mirrors these difficulties, and urgent investment will be required if the country hopes to return to hosting international football in the near future.
For now, Zimbabwean football fans must contend with the reality that their national team will play key qualifiers away from home, as CAF’s ruling prioritizes safety and compliance over convenience. The situation underscores the intersection of economic, political, and sporting issues that have hampered the development of football infrastructure in the country.
