BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Fifa president Gianni Infantino has sent his best wishes to fired Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) boss Felton Kamambo in a further show of solidarity and recognition of the sacked official.
Kamambo and his entire executive were last year removed from office by a sports regulatory department of the Zimbabwean government, a move that courted an international suspension on the southern African country by the world football governing body in March.
Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has repeatedly declined to reinstate Kamambo, which is Fifa’s condition for the country’s ban to be lifted.
The football executives were dismissed on charges corruption, maladministration and sexual harassment of female match officials.
And as Kamambo turned 52 on Thursday, Infantino didn’t miss the opportunity to send a clear message that Zurich’s stance towards the Zimbabwe impasse remain the same.
“Congratulations on your 52th birthday! May this special day bring you happiness, health and success, both personally and professionally,” wrote Infantino, addressing Kamambo as the president of Zifa.
“In this FIFA World Cup year, I’m most appreciative of your support and collaboration in making this tournament such a success and unique event, carrying a message of hope, unity and solidarity.
“I wish you a wonderful day with your loved ones, and I sincerely hope we will continue to work together for the development and growth of this beautiful game that unites us all.
“Looking forward to seeing you very soon again to congratulate you in person.”
Fifa’s solidarity with the Kamambo administration comes despite a recently publicised forensic audit report that revealed massive financial fraud by the sacked Zimbabwean FA officials, who are expected to face criminal charges under the country’s laws.
Zifa is currently being run by an interim leadership, but it is not recognised by Fifa.
The SRC has declared that it will not reinstate Kamambo, leaving the country in a deeper sense of international uncertainty.
