By Patience Gondo
FIFA has fined Zimbabwe national team captain Knowledge Musona 5,000 Swiss francs about US$6,200 and suspended him for one match following his red card during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against South Africa on October 10, 2025, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The 35-year-old forward was sent off in the 64th minute after receiving a second yellow card for unsporting behaviour towards an opponent.
FIFA later charged Musona under Article 14, paragraph 14.1(b) of its Disciplinary Code, which deals with misconduct of players and officials for unsporting behaviour.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Department confirmed the penalty through a formal communication sent to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) from Zurich.
The ruling also imposed a similar fine on South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was shown a red card after a stoppage time altercation with Zimbabwe winger Tawanda Maswanhise.
Musona served his one match suspension in Zimbabwe’s next World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho, which took place later in the same international window.
The forward, who plays for Al-Tai FC in Saudi Arabia, has been a key figure in Zimbabwe’s qualification campaign since returning to international duty.
The October 10 fixture marked one of the most heated encounters in Group C, which also includes Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and South Africa.
FIFA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline in all matches, warning national teams against unsporting conduct.
Zimbabwe’s participation in the World Cup qualifiers came after FIFA lifted the country’s 17-l month suspension on July 10, 2023. The ban, imposed on February 24, 2022, followed government interference after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo.
Following the reinstatement, FIFA appointed a Normalisation Committee to oversee the running of ZIFA until elections are held. The decision allowed Zimbabwe to rejoin international football in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Neither Musona nor ZIFA has commented on the latest sanction, but ZIFA officials confirmed that they had been notified of the disciplinary ruling.
FIFA’s stance remains firm on maintaining fair play and respect among players in all competitions, with automatic suspensions and fines for red card offences.
Zimbabwe will resume their qualification campaign in March 2026, continuing their quest for a maiden World Cup appearance when the tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.