ZIFA explains Marshall Munetsi's omission amid AFCON squad controversy

Munetsi, who plays his club football with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, was left out of the final AFCON selection after sustaining a calf injury during Wolves’ league clash against Nottingham Forest last Wednesday.

Following the announcement of the squad, the midfielder suggested that the injury was not serious and claimed his club was prepared to fast-track his rehabilitation to ensure his availability for the continental showpiece, according to Soccer24.

However, ZIFA has rejected that version of events, insisting the decision was based strictly on medical and regulatory requirements rather than technical considerations.

In a statement, the association revealed that Wolves did not provide the necessary medical clearance and documentation before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline for squad submission.

“Mr. Marshall Munetsi was duly advised that the required club consent and liability waiver had not been received and was kept informed of the status of this process,” ZIFA said.

“By the time the CAF deadline for AFCON squad submission was reached, the mandatory documentation remained outstanding.”

ZIFA further explained that proceeding without the required approvals would have exposed both the association and the player’s club to significant risk, including breaches of FIFA regulations.

“In the absence of these clearances, ZIFA could not lawfully expose both the Association and the player’s club to uninsured risk and regulatory non-compliance under the FIFA Club Protection Programme,” the statement added.

As a result, the Warriors’ head coach was forced to select from players who were fully fit, medically cleared, insured and procedurally eligible in line with CAF regulations and FIFA player protection frameworks.

ZIFA stressed that Munetsi’s exclusion was not a disciplinary or footballing decision, but one dictated by medical, legal and administrative obligations.