Zimbabwe FA Bans Former Boss Philip Chiyangwa

Philip Chiyangwa, the former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president has been suspended from all football-related activities in Zimbabwe for life.

This is according to a letter sent to newsrooms and signed by ZIFA chief executive officer, Joseph Mamutse, addressing Chiyangwa.

In a meeting between the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and ZIFA held on 9^th August, the decision to ban Chiyangwa was made “due to his contribution” in bringing Zimbabwean football into disrepute through the 2019 COSAFA Cup bid debacle.

ZIFA further accuses the former football boss of unilaterally submitting an incomplete bid document without getting the government guarantee and ZIFA Board resolution which ended up attracting a ban from COSAFA.

“ZIFA are, however, appealing the ban and still pursuing their case with Cosafa to have Chiyangwa revoked. Unlike some sentiments, ZIFA advises the nation that this case is still alive and believes Chiyangwa will have his day in COSAFA soon,” reads the statement.

When reached for a comment, he confirmed to Ducor Sports the receipt of a letter but rubbished the move insisting that he is not answerable to the federation at the moment.

“Yes, I have received a letter from ZIFA banning me from the country’s football matters but the question is; am I a member of the federation to warrant a ban? The answer is no. It then means that I cannot be affected by the same.”

Chiyangwa, a prominent businessman in Harare, held the position of ZIFA president between 2015 and 2018. He was defeated by the current chair Felton Kamambo in the last years’s election but he still holds a position as president of Cosafa, the southern African regional body.