Machana, Phiri cry foul over ZIFA elections, seek appeal with CAS

Two candidates who lost the recent Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) presidential elections Twine Phiri and Philemon Machana have cried foul over the result, won by by Nqobile Magwizi.

An extract of their request for arbitration and interim measures of protection made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been doing the rounds. It has been confirmed as authentic by sources close to the parties.

The pair claim undue influence from businessman Wicknell Chivayo and Youth Minister Tino Machakaire in the run-up to the election

They say that Chivayo’s offer of a car to Magwizi, USD 10 million sponsorship as well cars for all ZIFA councilors had an impact on how they voted. They also say Machakaire openly backing Magwizi was a form of coercion.

Of Chivayo, they said, “This was a clear influence peddling by a third party, clearly meant to influence the voting delegates to prefer [Magwizi] ahead of each of the claimants.”

The key points being sought are:

1. Declaration of Illegitimacy: The election is argued to be illegitimate due to violations of ZIFA’s Statutes, specifically the prohibition of third-party influence in the electoral process.
2. Undue Influence: The influence exerted by Wicknell Chivayo and Machakaire is highlighted as a significant factor that compromised the fairness and freedom of the election.
3. Failure to Notify FIFA and CAF: ZIFA is criticised for not informing FIFA and CAF about the undue influence, which is a requirement under ZIFA’s Statutes.
4. Impact on Voting Delegates: The application suggests that the voting delegates were pressured and induced to vote in a particular manner, which undermined their ability to vote freely and according to their conscience.
5. Request for Remedial Action: The overall aim appears to be seeking a review or annulment of the election results due to the alleged irregularities and violations of ZIFA’s governing statutes.

They also want Magwizi disqualified from running in a new election and that the delegates be excluded from voting.

Magiwizi was voted in by 61 of the 78 delegates.

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