The ZIFA leadership has stated that they will refrain from engaging in debates about the eligibility of Councillors to vote for the next executive committee. Councillors have been criticized for contributing to the decline of Zimbabwean football due to allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. However, ZIFA has asserted that, legally, they are unable to intervene unless there is a formal case or conviction against any individual Councillor.
ZIFA board member Nyasha Sanyamandwe emphasized that while personal opinions about the Councillors may vary, the association cannot take action without legal grounds. “If no case or conviction is presented, we cannot take any action,” Sanyamandwe stated. He also mentioned that ZIFA’s statutes grant the Councillors independence and they will be sending their own delegates, leaving ZIFA unsure of the full list of participants.
Regarding the upcoming elections for the executive committee, ZIFA clarified that individuals currently holding positions within the association must step down before running for election. The elections are scheduled for January 25 at Rainbow Towers, with the deadline for submitting nominations set for December 11. Candidates will undergo an eligibility check before the final list is confirmed on December 23.
ZIFA Chairman Lincoln Mutasa explained that the elections would follow strict FIFA guidelines. Although there were suggestions to start elections from the grassroots level, FIFA directed ZIFA to focus on electing the executive committee first. Mutasa reiterated that FIFA’s priority is for Zimbabweans to select their own leaders, and ZIFA is committed to ensuring compliance with FIFA regulations.
The elections will be conducted in line with the new Electoral Code and ZIFA statutes to be approved at the upcoming ZIFA Congress. The new executive committee will include 11 members, with one of the two vice-presidents being a woman. Candidates will also be required to have no prior criminal convictions.
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