SRC Accuses ZIFA Normalisation Committee of Delaying Football Reform Roadmap

FIFA HQ ZURICH

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has accused the ZIFA Normalisation Committee of stalling efforts to resolve long-standing challenges in local football, warning that continued delays risk undermining progress made after Zimbabwe’s recent suspension by FIFA. Speaking to The Sunday Mail, SRC director-general Eltah Nengomasha said the Normalisation Committee has failed to respond to a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) that is intended to guide cooperation between the two bodies and establish a clear football development roadmap.

According to Nengomasha, the MoU was drafted last year but remains unsigned, despite repeated follow-ups by the SRC. “The MoU draft was done last year and it has been about five months now, but the Normalisation Committee has not responded,” she said. “Specific follow-ups have been made since then, but to no avail.” The MoU is expected to outline roles, coordination mechanisms and reform milestones aimed at stabilising the domestic game after governance problems led to Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football for several months.

Growing Tension Raises Governance Concerns

The standoff has exposed growing friction between the SRC and the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, a situation that observers say could draw the attention of FIFA if left unresolved.

The Normalisation Committee was installed to restore credibility, align governance structures with FIFA statutes, and oversee reforms ahead of fresh elections. However, the SRC believes delays in formalising cooperation are slowing down tangible progress on the ground.

Concerns over the relationship escalated last month when SRC chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa publicly criticised the ZIFA Normalisation Committee for what he described as a boycott of the official commissioning of The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls. The stadium, owned by football administrator Walter Magaya, was commissioned by Emmerson Mnangagwa, an event the SRC viewed as symbolically important for football development and infrastructure growth.

ZIFA NC Responds

In response, ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairperson Lincoln Mutasa rejected claims of a boycott, saying the committee had only been notified of the commissioning ceremony two days before the event. Mutasa maintained that the short notice made it difficult for committee members to attend, dismissing suggestions of deliberate disengagement.

Calls for Alignment

As Zimbabwe works to rebuild confidence in its football administration, stakeholders are urging both parties to de-escalate tensions and prioritise alignment. With FIFA monitoring governance reforms closely, analysts warn that prolonged institutional conflict could jeopardise the gains made since the lifting of the ban and delay much-needed development at grassroots and elite levels.

SRC Accuses; ZIFA Normalisation Committee; Football Reform Roadmap