Zifa loses over US$500,000 per match as stadium crisis persists

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is losing more than US$500,000 per match in expenses and lost revenue due to the continued ban on local stadiums by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Parliament has revealed.

Zimbabwe has been forced to play its international "home" matches in neighbouring South Africa since 2020, when the National Sports Stadium (NSS) was condemned for failing to meet CAF standards. With no other certified facilities available in the country, the situation has placed a heavy financial burden on the football association and deprived Zimbabwe of potential matchday income.

Presenting findings at a pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture chairperson Farai Jere said hosting matches abroad was bleeding national coffers dry.

"The homologation of the stadium remains outstanding. The cost of playing international matches for the Zimbabwe men's soccer team averages between US$500,000 and US$750,000 per match in logistics, accommodation, and lost revenue," Jere said. "This deprives the country of potential income that could have been generated by hosting these games locally."

The National Sports Stadium, which has been undergoing renovations for over three years, remains unfinished, with progress described as slow and inconsistent. Despite repeated government promises, international football has yet to return to Zimbabwe.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, and his predecessor Kirsty Coventry have both missed several self-imposed deadlines for completion.

Responding to Parliament's concerns, Acting Minister Tinoda Machakaire said refurbishment of the stadium had reached 65% completion, and government was now targeting CAF approval by June 2026.

"The National Sports Stadium refurbishment is now 65% complete, with bucket seats, turnstiles, and upgraded utilities installed," Machakaire said. "This project is a model of resilience and accountability in the use of public resources. Full homologation is expected by mid-2026 through coordinated funding from Treasury."

Once completed, the NSS is expected to meet all CAF and FIFA standards, allowing Zimbabwe to finally host international fixtures at home after more than six years of exile - a development that would save ZIFA millions in logistical costs and restore a vital revenue stream for the nation's football.