Zimbabwe were among the worst movers down the table released on Thursday, sliding down nine places to occupy 98th position out of 208 countries.
The setback follows the team’s recent poor form, which culminated in a dispiriting loss to Angola.
The result denied the team a chance to participate in next year’s African Nations Cup, which neighbouring South Africa will host. Carrying a seemingly healthy 3-1 lead to Angola, the Zimbabweans were beaten 2-0 to succumb to their rivals on the away goals rule.
The latest slide down the Fifa rankings comes at a time the nation is coming to terms with that and the embarrassing Asiagate scandal.
The shame, where journalists, officials and footballers are said to have received money to influence the outcome of games, has made international headlines.
Zimbabwe Football Association has hit some of the officials and footballers with life bans.
Meanwhile, there was plenty of movement in the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with 77 qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil ensuring a number of changes compared to last month.
In the top 20, leaders Spain and second-placed Germany remain unchallenged at the top, with Argentina’s move into third place following a string of wins.
Portugal moved down to fourth. Also benefiting from two victories are Italy (5th, up 3) and Russia (9th, up 3), the latter moving into the top ten for the first time since October 2010.
England, Netherlands, Colombia, Russia and Croatia are also in the top ten.
Post published in: Football