Former Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri and ex-ZIFA financial director Phillemon Machana have officially withdrawn their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), effectively removing the last legal obstacle to Nqobile Magwizi’s confirmation as ZIFA president.
Phiri and Machana had initially challenged the election process, alleging undue influence after businessman Wicknell Chivayo pledged $1 million in sponsorship and personal vehicles to voters supporting Magwizi.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the two said they were stepping back from the legal battle to allow the football fraternity to “heal, stabilize, and grow” under the new executive committee.
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Reconsidering Allegations of Interference
Several high-profile figures, including Temba Mliswa and Walter Magaya, were disqualified from contesting in the election after failing to meet ZIFA’s eligibility criteria, which required candidates to have at least five O’ Level passes.
Phiri and Machana have since softened their stance, acknowledging Chivayo’s history of supporting football and retracting their earlier claims of election interference.
“Our recent engagements with key stakeholders, both formal and informal, have influenced this decision. We now recognize and appreciate the significant contributions made towards the development of football, including those from individuals like Mr. Chivayo and corporate sponsors who have historically supported the sport, even in difficult times,” they stated.
Call for Unity and Support
In their statement, the two urged all football stakeholders to embrace their decision and unite behind the newly elected executive.
“We therefore announce, as we hereby do, the withdrawal of our CAS appeal. Likewise, we call upon all stakeholders to support the new executive committee and ensure that football in Zimbabwe does not experience the same challenges witnessed in the most recent ZIFA elections.”
They confirmed that their legal representatives had been instructed to formally withdraw the appeal.
FIFA Set to Proceed with Induction
With the legal challenge now out of the way, FIFA is expected to proceed with the induction process for Magwizi and his executive team, paving the way for a fresh start in Zimbabwean football governance.
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