Zimbabwe threaten to pull out of AFCON over wage dispute

Zimbabwe have reportedly threatened to pull out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of their final group-stage game against DR Congo.

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The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the players have reportedly clashed once again over unpaid wages, according to Zimbabwe’s Herald newspaper.

The players claimed no agreement was reached, with ZIFA offering to pay US$5 500 (R78 000) of the US$12 500 (R177 000) the players are said to be owed on Friday.

However, the offer was rejected and there were threats of training being boycotted until the full amounts were settled including quitting the tournament ahead of the DR Congo match on Sunday.

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“We were called in and told of the developments about the possible withdrawal from the tournament and we told them (ZIFA officials) that we were ready to go home because we believe they haven’t fulfilled our contracts,” an unnamed player was quoted saying by the Herald.

ZIFA has apparently asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about the costs of withdrawing from the tournament, which would likely ensure further punishment and bans from future competitions.

Warriors players and ZIFA were reportedly already at loggerheads over payment issues on the eve of their AFCON opener against Egypt.

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Amid all this controversy, the Warriors can still qualify for the knockout stages, with a victory in their final game against DR Congo on Sunday.