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Chivayo trying to bribe losing ZIFA candidates?
02 Feb 2025 at 18:57hrs | Views
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has offered a "private settlement" to appease losing candidates in the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential election, dismissing allegations that his financial support for newly elected ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi, constituted vote-buying.
In a statement on X, Chivayo refuted claims that his promise of US$10 million and 78 brand-new vehicles to ZIFA voting delegates influenced the election outcome. He described the accusations as "baseless and misleading," asserting that he is not bound by FIFA's Code of Ethics as he holds no official position within ZIFA.
"If the losing candidates are so heartbroken, I'm happy to meet them, apologize, and agree on a gentleman's private settlement, rather than have them tarnish my precious name over unfounded allegations," Chivayo said.
His statement follows a petition prepared for FIFA, which accuses him of exerting undue influence on the election. Chivayo dismissed the petition as a smear campaign driven by "personal adversaries" and denied claims that his involvement was politically motivated due to his ties to the ruling ZANU PF party.
Meanwhile, losing candidates Twine Phiri and Phillemon Machana have escalated their legal challenge to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to nullify Magwizi's victory in the January 25 election. Magwizi won decisively, securing 61 of the 77 votes cast (80%), while Machana and Phiri received six and four votes, respectively.
The two losing candidates allege third-party interference, citing Chivayo's financial pledges and endorsements as compromising the integrity of the election. Their CAS submission, filed on January 29, demands fresh elections within 30 days and calls for Magwizi's disqualification, claiming he failed to distance himself from external influences.
The petition further accuses Youth Minister Tino Machakaire of endorsing Magwizi before the election, with allegations that one delegate was coerced into photographing their ballot as proof of their vote. Phiri and Machana argue the election violated ZIFA statutes, which require immediate reporting of undue influence to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Chivayo remains defiant, insisting his financial pledges were private contributions intended to support Zimbabwean football. "My business operations and philanthropic efforts are conducted independently," he said, dismissing allegations of political interference as "absurd" and "defamatory."
He also urged stakeholders to rally behind Magwizi's leadership. "Let's give Mr. Magwizi and his board a fair chance to start their assignment," Chivayo said, expressing confidence that FIFA would reject the petition.
As the CAS case unfolds, claimants are seeking an interim order to suspend Magwizi's ZIFA presidential duties until the dispute is resolved. The controversy has cast uncertainty over his tenure, potentially disrupting ZIFA's governance and football development plans.
In a statement on X, Chivayo refuted claims that his promise of US$10 million and 78 brand-new vehicles to ZIFA voting delegates influenced the election outcome. He described the accusations as "baseless and misleading," asserting that he is not bound by FIFA's Code of Ethics as he holds no official position within ZIFA.
"If the losing candidates are so heartbroken, I'm happy to meet them, apologize, and agree on a gentleman's private settlement, rather than have them tarnish my precious name over unfounded allegations," Chivayo said.
His statement follows a petition prepared for FIFA, which accuses him of exerting undue influence on the election. Chivayo dismissed the petition as a smear campaign driven by "personal adversaries" and denied claims that his involvement was politically motivated due to his ties to the ruling ZANU PF party.
Meanwhile, losing candidates Twine Phiri and Phillemon Machana have escalated their legal challenge to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to nullify Magwizi's victory in the January 25 election. Magwizi won decisively, securing 61 of the 77 votes cast (80%), while Machana and Phiri received six and four votes, respectively.
The petition further accuses Youth Minister Tino Machakaire of endorsing Magwizi before the election, with allegations that one delegate was coerced into photographing their ballot as proof of their vote. Phiri and Machana argue the election violated ZIFA statutes, which require immediate reporting of undue influence to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Chivayo remains defiant, insisting his financial pledges were private contributions intended to support Zimbabwean football. "My business operations and philanthropic efforts are conducted independently," he said, dismissing allegations of political interference as "absurd" and "defamatory."
He also urged stakeholders to rally behind Magwizi's leadership. "Let's give Mr. Magwizi and his board a fair chance to start their assignment," Chivayo said, expressing confidence that FIFA would reject the petition.
As the CAS case unfolds, claimants are seeking an interim order to suspend Magwizi's ZIFA presidential duties until the dispute is resolved. The controversy has cast uncertainty over his tenure, potentially disrupting ZIFA's governance and football development plans.
Source - zimlive
