Dynamos expelled from Confederations Cup

DYNAMOS have been expelled from the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup after failing to settle outstanding salary arrears owed to former coach Saul Chaminuka before FIFA's deadline, dealing a major blow to the Harare giants and Zimbabwean football.

The Chibuku Super Cup winners were omitted from Thursday's CAF Confederation Cup draw after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the official list of 56 participating clubs, confirming Dynamos' exclusion from the continental competition.

The expulsion also carries a significant financial cost, with Dynamos forfeiting at least US$100,000 in preliminary round participation fees they would have received for taking part in the tournament.

Club officials had hoped to avoid the sanction by making a last-minute partial payment towards the nearly US$13,000 owed to Chaminuka. However, FIFA maintained that the debt had to be settled in full before the stipulated deadline, leaving CAF with no option but to enforce the ban.

The development represents a major embarrassment for one of Zimbabwe's most successful clubs and highlights the persistent financial and administrative challenges confronting local football, particularly in meeting contractual obligations.

While Dynamos miss out on continental football, fellow Zimbabwean side Scottland FC have no such impediments and will participate in the CAF Champions League. The club will be included in Thursday's draw, which is being conducted alongside the CAF Confederation Cup draw.

Dynamos' absence leaves Zimbabwe with reduced representation in CAF inter-club competitions and raises fresh concerns over governance and financial compliance among domestic football clubs.