KEY POINTS
- Four ZIFA presidential candidates challenge disqualification by ethics committee.
- Candidates claim lack of formal communication from ZIFA on the decision.
- Disqualified candidates can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential hopefuls disqualified by the ethics committee are contesting the decision ahead of the January 25 elections.
Four high-profile candidates, including former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari, CAPS United owner Farai Jere, cleric Walter Magaya, and politician Temba Mliswa, were deemed ineligible, but ZIFA has yet to provide specific reasons for their exclusion.
Through his lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni, Mwaruwari demanded clarity, citing procedural irregularities.
“Our client does not know why your committee concluded that he failed to meet the eligibility criteria stipulated in the ZIFA statutes,” Mthombeni said in a letter to ZIFA.
Procedural concerns spark backlash
The disqualified candidates allege they were not formally notified or given explanations for the decision.
Jere expressed frustration, saying, “I hold high and esteemed offices and do not want my name sullied by misconceptions. I kindly ask for a detailed explanation of the considerations that led to this outcome.”
According to New Zimbabwe, Mthombeni argued that the lack of transparency was prejudicial to Mwaruwari, adding, “This is a gross procedural error that prejudices our client who stands to suffer irreparable harm.”
ZIFA statutes allow disqualified candidates to seek redress through the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Switzerland, which offers a potential path forward for the aspirants.
Focus shifts to remaining candidates
With the barring of these four prominent figures, six candidates remain in the race for ZIFA presidency: Nqobile Magwizi, Twine Phiri, Marshal Gore, Philemon Machana, Martin Kweza, and Makwinje Phiri.
The controversy has brought increased scrutiny to the election process, with critics questioning the transparency and fairness of the disqualification criteria.
With the January 25 elections approaching, disqualified candidates are likely to continue pursuing remedies, while ZIFA faces mounting pressure to clarify its decisions.
