Zifa official sucked in Ballon d'Or saga

ZIFA Technical Director, Nelson Matongorere has denied FIFA reports that he masqueraded as a football player and voted as Warriors captain in the FIFA Ballon D'or voting process.

While the rest of the world continues the debate on whether Lionel Messi should have been voted the world's best football player for a fourth consecutive time, in Zimbabwe, the controversy is on who voted.

Matongorere is alleged to have usurped the roles of the then captain, Tapuwa Kapini and cast his vote as the Warriors skipper.

The ZIFA official has however distanced himself from the voting process, denying any involvement in casting the Warriors' captain's vote.

Despite Matongorere's denial, FIFA documents show that he indeed voted as Zimbabwe's national soccer team captain.

There is no explanation as to how his name ended up appearing on the voting list.

According to the rules of the competition, a national team captain, a sports journalist and the national team coach from each country are allowed to select the world's best player.

Other Zimbabweans to vote at the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards were former Warriors head coach Rahman Gumbo and Charles Mabika.

Lionel Messi beat contender Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned the world footballer of the year for a record fourth time.

Spain's star midfielder, Andres Iniesta came third.