Philemon Machana and Twine Phiri, both of whom lost the ZIFA presidential election, have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
They argue that the election was marred by external interference from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo and should be declared invalid.
Prior to the election, Chivayo allegedly promised ZIFA councillors new cars and a US$10 million donation to the football association if they supported Nqobile Magwizi, who ultimately won with 61 votes.
Machana and Phiri, represented by lawyer Method Ndlovu, claim that Chivayo’s actions amounted to vote buying and put other candidates at a disadvantage, as delegates were incentivized to vote for Magwizi due to the promises of financial rewards.
Magwizi is listed as the first respondent in the case, with ZIFA named as the second respondent. The appeal points out that Chivayo, a prominent businessman, publicly expressed his support for Magwizi and made promises of substantial financial benefits to ZIFA, contingent on Magwizi’s victory.
This, the appellants argue, exerted undue influence over the voting process, violating the principle of free and fair elections.
As additional evidence, they highlight the disqualification of a voting delegate caught trying to photograph his ballot paper, suggesting that the act was an indication of external pressure on delegates to demonstrate how they voted.
Machana and Phiri also argue that a public statement from a senior government official endorsing Magwizi placed further pressure on delegates, undermining the integrity of the election.
They assert that the election was not conducted freely or fairly, as delegates were likely coerced into voting in a way that would benefit third-party interests.
In the election, Magwizi secured a landslide victory, with Machana receiving only six votes, Phiri four, and other candidates, including Marshall Gore and Makwinji Soma-Phiri, receiving even fewer votes or none at all.
Some football analysts have questioned the strength of Machana and Phiri’s evidence, stating that proving the integrity of the election was compromised could be challenging.
They argue that while the appeal raises concerns about external influence, the petitioners must demonstrate that these irregularities had a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
As the new ZIFA executive prepares to take over, they are set to go through the handover process with the outgoing FIFA-imposed Normalization Committee in the capital on Friday.
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