FIFA Threatens African Country with International Football and 2026 World Cup Ban
- FIFA has warned an African nation that it could be banned from international football due to allegations of government interference
- The football governing body issued an official letter, emphasising the need for the country’s football association to operate independently
- Failure to comply with FIFA regulations could result in a global ban, jeopardising the nation’s hopes of competing at the 2026 World Cup
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FIFA has reportedly threatened an African nation with an international football ban after issuing an official letter to the government over alleged interference.
The potential sanctions could see the country miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the co-hosts and four other nations already qualified for the tourney.
Source: Getty Images
As co-hosts, America, Mexico and Canada will play in the main tournament, with defending champions Argentina booking their place as well.
Iran and Japan secured their spots through the AFC qualifiers while New Zealand also qualified for the tournament through the OFC section.
Meanwhile, several countries remain barred from World Cup participation due to FIFA sanctions and another African country could be next.
Russia was excluded following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Pakistan and Congo were disqualified over third-party interference.
FIFA threatens to ban African country
Another nation, which recently faced Russia in a friendly match, is reportedly at risk of being banned and missing from the 2026 World Cup.
According to the Zambian Observer, FIFA warned the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) that the country could be suspended from international football entirely.
The warning follows a letter from the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), a government entity, urging FIFA to establish an independent electoral body and conduct a thorough review of FAZ’s electoral process.
However, FIFA strictly prohibits third-party interference in a nation’s football governance, including government involvement.
In February, Zambia's FA president Andrew Kamanga was elected for a third term unopposed after eight other candidates were disqualified for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
Source: Getty Images
FIFA issues letter to Zambian FA
However, after appeals, four of those disqualifications were overturned and new elections are set to take place between March 15 and March 29.
A FAZ general meeting has been scheduled for the latter date. FIFA’s letter regarding this situation reads as follows:
“We would like to remind you that every member association of FIFA is statutorily obliged to manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties, including government bodies. Any breach of this obligation may lead to sanctions provided for in the FIFA statutes. Should the transitional committee be established, FAZ would be at risk of breaching these statutory provisions. If this happens, FIFA will have no option but to submit the matter to its relevant decision-making body, which could result in the suspension of FAZ.”
Kenya, Zimbabwe once faced FIFA ban
Recall that FIFA suspended Kenya in 2021 after the government disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over corruption allegations.
The East African country was banned from international football, including club competitions, until FIFA reinstated them in 2023 after governance reforms were introduced.
A year after Kenya ban, FIFA banned Zimbabwe in 2022 after its government dissolved the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) over mismanagement and financial irregularities. The suspension was lifted in 2023 after FIFA’s conditions were met.
What's next for Zambia amid potential ban?
Zambia, currently managed by former Chelsea and West Ham coach Avram Grant, is still in contention for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Their qualifying group has already faced several disruptions, with Eritrea withdrawing due to fears of player defections and Congo pulling out after three matches due to their FIFA suspension.
Zambia currently sits three points behind Niger, who occupy the second and final qualification spot for the next round, with four matches remaining.
Meanwhile, the qualification race for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup is heating up as nations push for the remaining spaces.
US travel bans could affect 2026 WC
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that President Donald Trump reportedly proposed a travel ban on countries set to compete at the 2026 World Cup.
With the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, restrictions could create complications for competing teams.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@sportsbrief.com.
Bruce Douglas (Senior Copyeditor) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
