Zimbabwe national soccer team players will be investigated by a Committee of Inquiry set up by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to establish the root cause of the problems encountered prior to the Warriors’ departure for the African Cup of Nations finals which are ongoing in Gabon.

According to a statement released by the SRC Friday, government is not happy with the embarrassment caused by the Warriors’ boycott of the send off dinner which was to be officiated by the Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa on January 6, 2017.

Zimbabwe’s national team players initially refused to board the plane to Cameroon where they were supposed to play a friendly en route to Gabon and only did so after the national football association committed to pay the $5 000 per player for appearance fees they were demanding.

The Committee of Inquiry comprises of veteran sports administrators Titus Zvomuya, Joseph Mungwari and John Falkenberg.

According to the statement, members of the Committee are expected to commence duty immediately and will gather evidence through face to face, electronic interviews or written submissions from the Warriors and other stakeholders.

“The team’s boycott of the send off dinner also affected the general preparations and travel of the Warriors.  These challenges naturally tarnished the image of the country, ZIFA and were a complete embarrassment to the sponsors.

“Their actions have far reaching consequences not only to the Football fraternity but also to the entire sport and recreation sector hence the decision to set up the Committee of inquiry to address  these challenges”, said Joseph Muchechetere Acting Director General of the SRC.

“The findings of the Committee together with its recommendations shall be communicated to the SRC Board no later than 28 February 2017. As part of its work, the Committee will be at liberty to request for reports or information on any issue that they may deem necessary from ZIFA for incorporation into the final report”, added Muchechetere.

The Committee of Inquiry will work closely with ZIFA in coming up with the findings and recommendations on the way forward.

“This action is being taken in terms the SRC Act Chapter 25:15 1991 section 12 as read with section 19 paragraphs (b) and (c) and section 20 paragraph c.

“It is the duty of the Sports and Recreation Commission to protect the interests of the public and stakeholders as regards sport and recreation in the country, hence this Committee is expected to gather as much information as possible so as to proffer a well thought out advice on the matter,” read part of Muchechetere’s statement.

The Warriors crashed out of the 2017 Afcon finals in the first round and brought home a single point in three matches becoming the worst group of players to represent Zimbabwe at the continental showpiece.