Offbeat | FIFA expels Zimbabwe from 2018 World Cup qualifying

Zimbabwe was thrown out of 2018 World Cup qualifying yesterday for failing to pay its national team coach.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee said it took the action “as a result of the non-payment of an outstanding debt” by Zimbabwe’s soccer federation to coach Jose Claudinei Georgini.
The decision was announced just as the first match in the global World Cup qualifying program was kicking off in Asia. East Timor beat Mongolia 4-1.
Zimbabwe’s removal spoils FIFA’s recent claim of a first qualifying campaign where all its member federations would play.
Zimbabwe was initially ordered by FIFA to pay the Brazilian coach in August 2012. Disciplinary proceedings were later opened against the Zimbabwe Football Association on the request of Claudinei, FIFA said.
In April 2013, ZIFA was given 60 days to pay half the amount it owed Claudinei, and 120 days to pay the full amount.