The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) says Zimbabwe will not participate in this year’s tournament unless FIFA lifts the country’s suspension from international football.
The 2022 edition of the COSAFA Cup competition will be held from 5-17 July in Durban, South Africa.
The draw has been scheduled for 31 May when the teams that will participate in the tournament will be announced. COSAFA said on Monday:
As things stand, Zimbabwe will not be on hand to compete for the title this year after their suspension by FIFA prohibits them from taking part in any football activities.
However, should that suspension be lifted, they will be welcomed to the tournament with open arms, having had such a rich history in the COSAFA Cup down the years and provided so much quality talent for the region.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expelled Zimbabwe from the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
CAF made the drastic move after Zimbabwe failed to have its suspension by FIFA lifted.