Zimbabwe FA explains Marshal Monitse omission from 2025 AFCON squad

The Zimbabwe Football Association has moved to clarify why Wolverhampton midfielder Marshal Monitse was left out of the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, despite the player publicly expressing disappointment at his omission.​

In an official statement, the federation stressed that the decision was driven by medical and regulatory constraints under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules and FIFA’s Club Protection Programme for 2023–2026, not by technical or personal reasons. The FA explained that it maintained continuous formal communication with Wolves about Monitse’s health and availability and, in parallel, kept the player informed of all developments.​

According to the statement, medical reports from Wolves confirmed Monitse was carrying an injury at the time the AFCON list had to be submitted, which complicated insurance coverage under FIFA’s protection scheme. The FA said that when Monitse declared himself willing to represent Zimbabwe despite the injury, it formally requested written approval and a waiver of responsibility from Wolves, documents described as essential for insuring an injured professional in international duty.​

The federation added that these clearances did not arrive before CAF’s squad-registration deadline, leaving key paperwork incomplete. It stressed that, without those guarantees, it could not “legally or ethically” include Monitse because of the risks related to lack of insurance and non-compliance with regulations.​

Zimbabwe’s FA closed its statement by praising Monitse’s professionalism, leadership and longstanding service to the “Warriors,” while acknowledging his frustration after having earlier declared himself ready for the tournament. Zimbabwe will compete in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa and Angola, beginning its AFCON campaign against Egypt.