HARARE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- FIFA has suspended a Zimbabwean midfielder Chafa Devon Taitamba from playing in all matches for six months after he was found using prohibited drugs in a World Cup preliminary match in June, the world football body said Monday.

Taitamba, 22, is the first Zimbabwean football player banned by the FIFA. He has been suspended from playing since August after testing positive in the doping control after the match between Zimbabwe and Egypt in Harare on June 9, 2013.

Zimbabwe lost 4-2 to Egypt in the game. Zimbabwe also finished last in the group that includes Egypt, Guinea, and Mozambique.

The player's club Dynamos had in the past backed Taitamba and retained him on the team despite the scandal that was first disclosed in August.

State media once touted Taitamba as "an outstanding player" in the domestic Premiership this season.

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