To:
The President
FIFA Headquarters
Zurich, Switzerland
Subject: Request for Immediate Action Against ZIFA Over Violations of Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics
Dear FIFA President,
We, the undersigned readers and supporters of Zimbabwean football, write this petition with grave concern regarding the blatant violations of FIFA’s Code of Ethics by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and individuals influencing its current electoral process. Specifically, we draw your attention to Article 20, which prohibits offering or accepting gifts or benefits that could influence official activities or decisions.
Background of the Issue
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivhayo has openly announced material promises contingent on the election of Nqobile Magwizi as the new ZIFA President. These promises include:
1. A $200,000 luxury vehicle (2025 Toyota Land Cruiser) for the incoming president.
2. Brand-new vehicles for all ZIFA board members and councilors who support Mr. Magwizi’s candidacy.
3. A $10 million pledge for football development, conditional on Mr. Magwizi winning the election.
Furthermore, Chivhayo has publicly declared that the funding for these rewards originates from the ruling ZANU PF party, further entangling the electoral process with political interference.
Minister of Youth, Tino Machakaire, has also publicly endorsed Mr. Magwizi’s candidacy, a direct violation of FIFA’s statutes prohibiting government interference in the operations of national football associations.
Violations of Article 20 of FIFA Code of Ethics
Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics clearly stipulates:
1. Gifts or benefits must have symbolic or trivial value, must not create a conflict of interest, and must not exert undue influence on official activities.
2. Persons bound by the Code shall refrain from offering or accepting cash in any amount or form, directly or indirectly.
The actions outlined above represent clear breaches of these provisions. By promising material rewards directly tied to voting behavior, these individuals and ZIFA have undermined the integrity of the election process, potentially jeopardizing the credibility of Zimbabwean football.
Request for Immediate Action
We respectfully request that FIFA:
1. Launch an immediate investigation into ZIFA’s electoral process to determine the extent of violations of Article 20 and related statutes.
2. Suspend ZIFA’s membership if the investigation confirms vote-buying and government interference, in accordance with FIFA’s statutes and precedent.
3. Monitor future elections within ZIFA to ensure compliance with FIFA’s governance standards and the restoration of transparency and integrity.
Consequences for Inaction
Failure to address these serious violations will set a dangerous precedent, undermining the credibility of FIFA’s governance framework and allowing further politicization of football in Zimbabwe. More importantly, it will betray the aspirations of millions of Zimbabwean football fans who believe in the power of the game to unite and inspire beyond politics and corruption.
Conclusion
We urge FIFA to take swift and decisive action to protect the integrity of football in Zimbabwe and ensure compliance with its global governance standards. The future of Zimbabwean football depends on your intervention to restore trust and fairness in ZIFA’s leadership.
Sincerely,
[ZimEye Readers and Supporters of Zimbabwean Football]
Enclosures:
• Screenshot of Article 20 of FIFA’s Code of Ethics.
• Evidence of Wicknell Chivhayo’s public statements and Minister Tino Machakaire’s endorsements.
