Phiri , Machana withdraw ZIFA election challenge

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Twine Phiri and Phillemon Machana have withdrawn their appeal against Nqobile Magwizi's election as ZIFA president. The two had challenged the outcome of the January 25 election, alleging vote-buying after businessman Wicknell Chivayo promised to buy cars for voting ZIFA councilors if Magwizi won.

Phiri, former Premier Soccer League boss, and Machana, ex-ZIFA financial director, had taken their challenge to the Court of Arbitration for Sport . However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, they announced their decision to withdraw the appeal, citing the need to allow the football fraternity to "heal, stabilize, and grow" under the new executive committee.²

The withdrawal of the appeal clears the path for FIFA to proceed with the induction process for Magwizi and his executive team. This development is expected to bring stability to Zimbabwean football governance, which has faced numerous challenges in recent times.

Phiri and Machana's initial challenge had centered on allegations of undue influence by Chivayo, who had pledged $1 million in sponsorship to ZIFA and offered personal vehicles to voters supporting Magwizi. However, in their statement, the two softened their stance, acknowledging Chivayo's history of supporting football and retracting their earlier claims of election interference.