News / National
Mwaruwari takes dubious Zifa Committee head-on
25 Dec 2024 at 08:18hrs | Views
Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari has demanded clarity from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee regarding his exclusion from the final list of candidates eligible to contest in the upcoming ZIFA presidential elections.
The Lincoln Mutasa-led Normalisation Committee, which also serves as the Electoral College for the highly anticipated January elections, announced the final list of successful candidates on Monday. However, Mwaruwari's name was notably absent, prompting him to seek an explanation.
In a letter addressed to the committee, Mwaruwari, through his legal representatives, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication regarding the reasons for his exclusion.
"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," reads the letter.
The letter further states that the lack of information has left Mwaruwari unable to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as stipulated in the ZIFA statutes.
"Client can only mount a sound and merited appeal if he is made aware of those reasons first. With the holidays upon us, client is left in ‘no man's land.'
"For the record, our client is aggrieved by your committee's decision, and he intends to appeal against the same without any further delay."
Mwaruwari has requested that ZIFA provide detailed written reasons for his exclusion within 12 hours of receiving the letter, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
"Our client would be most grateful if we can be furnished with those reasons within the next twelve (12) hours from the time of service of this letter," the letter concluded.
The former Warriors star, who had been viewed as a strong contender for the presidency, is reportedly keen on challenging the decision to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The elections, set for January 25, have already sparked significant interest, with candidates vying for positions including the presidency, two vice-presidents, and six ordinary board members. However, the vetting process has drawn criticism, with some candidates questioning the criteria used to determine eligibility.
Mwaruwari's challenge highlights ongoing concerns over governance and accountability within Zimbabwean football, as the sport looks to rebuild its image under new leadership.
The Lincoln Mutasa-led Normalisation Committee, which also serves as the Electoral College for the highly anticipated January elections, announced the final list of successful candidates on Monday. However, Mwaruwari's name was notably absent, prompting him to seek an explanation.
In a letter addressed to the committee, Mwaruwari, through his legal representatives, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication regarding the reasons for his exclusion.
"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," reads the letter.
The letter further states that the lack of information has left Mwaruwari unable to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as stipulated in the ZIFA statutes.
"Client can only mount a sound and merited appeal if he is made aware of those reasons first. With the holidays upon us, client is left in ‘no man's land.'
Mwaruwari has requested that ZIFA provide detailed written reasons for his exclusion within 12 hours of receiving the letter, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
"Our client would be most grateful if we can be furnished with those reasons within the next twelve (12) hours from the time of service of this letter," the letter concluded.
The former Warriors star, who had been viewed as a strong contender for the presidency, is reportedly keen on challenging the decision to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The elections, set for January 25, have already sparked significant interest, with candidates vying for positions including the presidency, two vice-presidents, and six ordinary board members. However, the vetting process has drawn criticism, with some candidates questioning the criteria used to determine eligibility.
Mwaruwari's challenge highlights ongoing concerns over governance and accountability within Zimbabwean football, as the sport looks to rebuild its image under new leadership.
Source - the chronicle
