BY AUSTIN KARONGA
BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivayo has dismissed allegations of influencing the Zifa elections in favour of newly elected Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi following a court application by two losing candidates.
Magwizi secured 61 votes out of 77, while Herentals Queens chief executive Loveness Wadzanai Mukura and former Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Kenny Ndebele were elected as the two deputies.
However, losing candidates in the race for president, Philemon Machana and Twine Phiri have contested the election result, after filing an application with the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. A petition has also surfaced on social media, alleging that Chivayo's open support for Magwizi violates the Fuqf code of ethics.
Chivayo has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that his commitment to Zimbabwean football was driven by a desire to see the sport thrive, not by any ulterior motives to influence electoral outcomes.
"I refute these allegations, which are baseless, misleading, and totally unfounded," Chivayo posted on his X page.
"My contributions are those of a private businessman acting within the bounds of the law and out of a genuine commitment to the development of football in Zimbabwe."
Chivayo emphasised that he was not bound by the Fifa Code of Ethics, as he was neither a Zifa official, board member, nor councilor.
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"My commitment to Zimbabwean football has always been driven by a desire to see the sport thrive and reach its full potential, not by any ulterior motives to influence electoral outcomes," Chivayo said.
He also highlighted the specific provisions of the Fifa Code of Ethics that govern the offering and accepting of gifts or benefits by individuals bound by the Code.
"Article 20 and 21 of the Fifa Code of Ethics are clear on this matter," he explained.
"However, as a private businessman, I am not bound by these provisions."
Chivayo has invited the aggrieved losing presidential candidates to a private settlement, offering to apologise and agree on a gentleman's private settlement.
"If the losing candidates are so heartbroken, I'm happy to meet them and apologise to them, as well as agree on a gentleman's private settlement, as opposed to them tarnishing my precious name over unfounded allegations," Chivayo said in an apparent offer of trinkets.
He also called on the football fraternity to give Magwizi and his newly elected board a fair chance to start their assignment and implement their vision for Zimbabwean football.
"For the benefit of the sport, let's give Magwizi and his board a fair chance to start their assignment and embrace the mandate before them," he said.
On the eve of the Zifa elections, Chivayo had pledged to support Magwizi's vision for football with a US$10 million sponsorship package, earmarked for grassroots development, operational excellence, and the sport's commercialisation.
He also promised motor vehicles for all of the voting councilors on condition that Magwizi won the election.
Chivayo had identified Magwizi as the ideal candidate to transform Zifa into a world-class institution capable of revitalising Zimbabwe's football legacy.
"I have carefully reviewed the candidates vying for Zifa's top position, reflecting on the needs of our footballing community at this critical time," Chivayo wrote on his X page.
"Among the candidates, one name stands out—Nqobile Magwizi."
Chivayo highlighted Magwizi's exceptional qualifications, including his integrity, business acumen, and passion for the sport.
"His track record includes securing multimillion-dollar sponsorships for Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, demonstrating a blend of competence and passion for the sport," he said.
With Magwizi at the helm, Chivayo is confident that Zifa will embark on a new era of growth and development, driven by professionalism, transparency, and excellence.
"I will continue to advocate for professionalism, transparency, and excellence in our beloved sport," added Chivayo.
"I hope Fifa will dismiss this petition with the contempt it deserves."
Phiri and Machana have approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport seeking a nullification of the result, the holding of a fresh poll which excludes Magwizi.
They also demand that the councilors, who voted in last week's election be barred from voting in the fresh one as they are already tainted.
