Losing candidates in the January 25 Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential election Phillemon Machana and Twine Phiri, have withdrawn their appeal against Nqobile Magwizi’s election.
The duo had taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to nullify the election, which they argued was “not free and fair” due to alleged vote buying by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo pledged to buy cars for all councillors, newly elected ZIFA board members, Magwizi himself and donate US$10 million if Magwizi won the poll.
The pledge did not sit well with Machana and Phiri who then appealed to CAS.
However, according to ZimLive, Machana and Phiri have decided to drop their appeal stating that the move is “in order to allow football space to heal, stabilise and grow in an environment where the new executive committee led by the current president will begin on a clean and uncontested slate.”
They added: “Our engagements over the past few days, both solicited and unsolicited with several key stakeholders, have influenced this latest decision.
“We are grateful that in this season, ZIFA has attracted massive support and contributions from diverse sections of the population to whom we are indebted. Individuals like Mr. Chivayo and corporates alike have historically stood with the nation and the footballing world, sacrificing personal resources even in dire times. Such support is always encouraged and welcome and must not stop.
“We therefore announce as we hereby do, that we are withdrawing the CAS appeal. Likewise we urge all stakeholders to accept and appreciate our decision and in equal measure, to rally behind and support the new executive committee.
“It is our belief and understanding that going forward, football will never experience the kind of challenges that were witnessed in the most recent Zifa elections.
“Resultantly, we have instructed our lawyers to do the needful and withdraw the CAS appeal.”
Following this withdrawal, FIFA is now expected to fully endorse Magwizi’s presidency and proceed with induction processes for the new ZIFA administration.
(c) Bhora Afrika