National Sports

Fifa rankings resume

Fifa/Coca-Cola World Rankings have resumed six months after disruption due to Covid-19 pandemic which led to football suspension across the world.

World football governing body’s yesterday said it has resumed the rankings following international matches played over the past month.

A statement from Fifa read: “With the exception of Uzbekistan’s 2-1 friendly victory over Tajikistan, the countries back in action have all been European.

Malawi’s Flames in action against South Sudan

“The successful staging of these games was nonetheless encouraging for teams from other confederations as they seek to resume international fixtures in the weeks ahead.”

Malawi national football team, the Flames have maintained position 123 on world rankings and 32 in Africa rankings which Senegal lead.

The Flames however, are seventh out of 14 teams in Council for Southern Africa Football (Cosafa) region which has South Africa at the top.

Malawi women’s national football team, the Scorchers, are ranked 145 in the world and 24th in Africa.

Soccer analyst George Chiusiwa said the national teams have to be active if they are to improve on the standings.

“We can’t improve on the rankings as long as we remain inactive,” he said.

According to Fifa, 54 Uefa Nations League games that took place across Europe at the beginning of September had an immediate impact on the Fifa/Coca-Cola World Rankings, which had remained unchanged since April 9.

However, there has been no movement among the leading quartet with Belgium at the top followed by France, Brazil and England in that order.

Portugal are also up to fifth from seventh following victories over Croatia who are down two places to eighth and Sweden who are down one place to 18th.

The next rankings will be released on October 22 after Fifa international calendar dates.

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