Faith Ndou
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has issued a statement on the shock omission for vice captain Marshall Munetsi (pictured) from the Warriors’ final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The FA cited medical, procedural and regulatory constraints as reasons for exclusion of Munetsi.
In a statement released on today, ZIFA said Munetsi was managing an injury at the time final squad decisions were made, a development confirmed through formal medical communication with his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The association noted that under CAF regulations and the FIFA Club Protection Programme, players carrying pre existing injuries can only be released for international duty if strict medical clearances and liability documentation are completed.
ZIFA revealed that despite Munetsi’s willingness to represent Zimbabwe, the association required written club consent and a liability waiver to ensure insurance cover and compliance with FIFA regulations. However, the mandatory documentation had not been received by the CAF squad submission deadline, leaving the technical team with no option but to exclude the player.
“As a result, the Head Coach was left with no alternative but to proceed with players who were fully fit, medically cleared, insured and procedurally eligible,” the statement read.
The football governing body emphasized that player health and welfare remain its top priority, adding that including Munetsi without the required clearances would have exposed both ZIFA and the player’s club to uninsured risk and regulatory breaches.
ZIFA also defended its secretariat including Kudzai Chitima, dismissing allegations circulating on social media and condemning abuse, threats and personal attacks directed at officials.
The association stressed that administrative staff do not make technical team selection decisions and operate strictly within their mandates.
While reiterating that Munetsi’s omission was not influenced by malice or bias, ZIFA praised the midfielder for his professionalism, leadership and long service to the national team describing him as a valued member of the football family. The association expressed hope that he would return to national duty once fully fit and medically cleared.
ZIFA concluded by calling on Zimbabweans to remain united and to fully support the Warriors as they prepare to represent the nation at AFCON in Morocco.
