Fifa Ruling Disrupts Warriors’ AFCON Preparations; Marinica Criticises Late Player Releases

Zimbabwe coach Dino Marinica criticises Fifa’s late player release ruling after it disrupted the Warriors’ AFCON preparations (image source)

Harare — Zimbabwe national team coach Dino Marinica has expressed frustration after a Fifa ruling on player release dates disrupted the Warriors’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision, which changed the timing of club-to-country player transfers for the tournament window, forced last-minute adjustments to training schedules and squad assembly.

Marinica said the late arrival of key players limited tactical work and team cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures. “When players arrive late, it reduces our time to implement systems and build match fitness together,” he told reporters. He emphasised the need for better synchronisation between international windows and club commitments to safeguard national-team readiness.

The Fifa directive meant several foreign-based Warriors were released later than expected. The technical team had to rely on locally based players during early sessions, fast-track fitness assessments for late arrivals, and adjust tactical plans accordingly. Marinica said tailored sessions helped integrate latecomers, but the compressed timeline restricted set-piece drills and tactical repetitions.

Logistical challenges also emerged, including travel rearrangements, expedited medical clearances, and accelerated registration procedures for AFCON. Support staff worked overtime to ensure compliance with tournament rules and manage player welfare during the condensed preparation period.

The episode underscores ongoing tensions between clubs and national teams over player release timing. Clubs seek to protect competitive interests and manage workloads, while national teams demand uninterrupted preparation for major tournaments. Marinica called for earlier, clearer communication from governing bodies to prevent last-minute disruptions.

Football administrators say better calendar planning and coordination between Fifa, continental confederations, and domestic leagues is key. “Predictable windows and transparent rules help coaches plan and protect players’ health,” said a federation official.

Despite the setback, Marinica praised the locally based players who stepped up and said the squad would focus on tactical simplicity, physical conditioning, and individualised training to offset lost preparation time. Supporters and pundits will closely monitor whether the disruption affects Zimbabwe’s early AFCON performances.