By Darlington Gatsi
BARRED Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential aspirants are contesting the decision of the association’s ethics committee to disqualify them from participating in the upcoming elections.
Four candidates were disqualified by ZIFA after failing to meet the eligibility criteria to contest in the upcoming January 25 elections.
Cleric Walter Magaya, former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari, CAPS United owner Farai Jere and Temba Mliswa are notable figures who failed to pass the eligibility test.
However, ZIFA has not yet disclosed specific reasons for the disqualification of the quartet.
This has become a bone of contention with Mwaruwari through his lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni challenging ZIFA as to why he could not pass the credibility hurdle.
“Our client has noted with grave concern that his name does not appear on the list referred to above notwithstanding the fact that he strongly feels that he is suitably qualified and meets the criteria to stand for election in the forthcoming elections as ZIFA president.
“Our client is perturbed by the fact that he was not formally served with any letter stating the full reasons why your committee has by interpretation of the omission of his name on your published list, declared him to be not suitable to contest to hold office as ZIFA president,” read the letter by Mthombeni.
Mthombeni further said the decision by ZIFA was prejudicial to Mwaruwari.
“This is a gross procedural error as it prejudices our client who stands to suffer immense and irreparable prejudice. With due respect, our client as it stands, does not know the reasons why your committee concluded that he has failed to meet the eligibility criteria stipulated in the ZIFA statutes, 2024 before making your announcement and publishing the final list of candidates,” read the letter.
The barring of the four candidates has left Nqobile Magwizi, Twine Phiri, Marshal Gore, Philemon Machana, Martin Kweza and Makwinje Phiri contesting for the presidency.
According to the ZIFA statutes, the barred candidates have the option to seek remedy from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Switzerland.
Outgoing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Farai Jere has also demanded answers from ZIFA.
“I hold high and esteemed offices and do not want my name to be sullied by misconceptions that I do not have 5 0 levels. I therefore kindly ask for a detailed explanation of the considerations that led to this outcome. I would appreciate receiving this information at your earliest convenience, preferably before Christmas,” said Jere.
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