Scandal Erupts Ahead of ZIFA Elections: Vote-Buying and ZANU PF Interference Allegations Surface
By Sports Reporter | ZimEye | Zimbabwean football has been thrust into controversy as allegations of vote-buying and political interference threaten to derail the upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections. Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, Tino Machakaire, are at the center of the storm, with claims that their actions violate FIFA’s strict regulations on governance and non-interference.
Chivhayo’s Controversial ZANU PF-Backed Promises
Wicknell Chivhayo, a ZANU PF party boasting businessman, has openly declared his support for Nqobile Magwizi, a candidate for ZIFA’s presidency. In a public announcement, Chivhayo promised to gift Magwizi a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser valued at $200,000 should he win the presidency. Even more strikingly, Chivhayo revealed that all ZIFA board members and councilors who support Magwizi’s candidacy will each receive brand-new vehicles as a reward. He further pledged a staggering $10 million for football development if Magwizi assumes the presidency.
However, what has sparked widespread outcry is Chivhayo’s admission that these gifts and funds are being provided through Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party. By tying the promises of financial and material rewards to a political party, Chivhayo has raised serious questions about the independence of ZIFA and the integrity of its election process.
Under FIFA’s Code of Ethics (Article 19), any form of vote-buying or undue influence is strictly prohibited. By openly offering material benefits—backed by a political party—Chivhayo’s actions undermine the impartiality of the elections and threaten to drag Zimbabwean football into political controversy.
ZANU PF Government Interference
The involvement of ZANU PF in the ZIFA elections doesn’t stop there. Deputy Minister Tino Machakaire issued a statement publicly endorsing Nqobile Magwizi, praising his contributions to grassroots football development and expressing confidence in his ability to lead ZIFA. While Machakaire framed his remarks as personal support, FIFA statutes are clear: any government interference in the affairs of national football associations is prohibited. Articles 14 and 19 of FIFA’s statutes mandate that member associations like ZIFA remain autonomous and free from external political influence.

The intersection of politics and football governance is a longstanding issue in Zimbabwe, and this latest episode underscores the ongoing challenges of keeping sport independent from political interests.
FIFA’s Governance Standards and Implications
FIFA’s regulations prohibit both vote-buying and government interference to ensure the integrity of football governance. Wicknell Chivhayo’s announcement linking ZANU PF to the promised cars and financial rewards is a direct violation of FIFA’s rules. Similarly, Tino Machakaire’s endorsement of a candidate breaches FIFA’s requirement for non-interference by government officials.
If these violations are confirmed, FIFA is likely to take swift action, which could include:
• Suspension of ZIFA: FIFA has a history of suspending member associations found guilty of political interference or electoral malpractice. This would bar Zimbabwean teams from participating in international competitions and could severely impact the nation’s football development.
• Nullification of Election Results: FIFA could annul the election results if deemed compromised by external influence.
The Risk for Zimbabwean Football
Zimbabwean football, already plagued by years of mismanagement, corruption, and poor performance, now faces another existential threat. The politicization of ZIFA’s elections and the promise of rewards tied to ZANU PF could lead to further isolation from the global football community. Suspension by FIFA would prevent national teams and clubs from participating in international competitions and deprive Zimbabwean players of critical opportunities to showcase their talents on the world stage.
What’s Next?
As ZIFA’s elections approach, the involvement of ZANU PF in what should be an independent process has raised alarm bells. Football stakeholders are calling for transparency and adherence to FIFA’s regulations to protect the future of Zimbabwean football. FIFA has yet to issue a formal response, but if these allegations are substantiated, the consequences could be severe.
This is a critical moment for Zimbabwean football. If ZIFA fails to conduct fair and independent elections, the repercussions could reverberate across the sport, affecting players, fans, and the country’s standing in the international football community. For now, all eyes are on FIFA and its next steps in addressing the growing crisis.