FIFA has remained mum on the fate of Warriors mid-fielder Devon Chafa who failed a routine doping test before a World Cup qualifier against Egypt in June.
REPORT BY SPORTS EDITOR
Chafa was used by coach Ian Gorowa in securing Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2014 African Nations Championships (Chan) in four matches against Mauritius and Zambia, leading to unfounded speculation that the country could be disqualified from the finals.
While Chafa’s fate remains in the hands of the Fifa medical team, the world football body said last night they would not comment, confirm or even deny the case.
The response from Fifa on inquiries from NewsDay Sport said: “As a general rule, Fifa is not in a position to comment or even confirm or deny the existence of a positive doping case. Should a player return a positive test, it would be handled according to the Fifa anti-doping regulations and the Fifa Disciplinary Code, including the public disclosure of a potential sanction in due course.”
Zimbabwe beat Zambia 1-0 to qualify for a third appearance in the finals designed for local players and Chafa is tipped to be one of the star performers in South Africa next year.
He is also expected to feature in the dead rubber 2014 World Cup match against Mozambique on September 8 and an international friendly match against South Africa two days later.
The player has already received support from his club. He says the banned substance was part of the medication he was taking for a different ailment.
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Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said last night: “I can confirm that Fifa is still handling the matter and they will get to us once they are done.”
