Raising the Bar: ZIFA Launches Independent Ethics Line to Strengthen Football Integrity

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has taken a bold step towards strengthening integrity and accountability in football with the launch of a new, independent Ethics Line. Managed by Axcentium, a trusted third-party provider, the service offers a safe, confidential and accessible way for all stakeholders to report misconduct, unethical behaviour or breaches of policy without fear of retaliation.

The Ethics Line is available to employees, officials, players, and all who interact with the game, ensuring that issues ranging from corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest to harassment, discrimination and policy violations can be addressed swiftly and impartially. By introducing this initiative, ZIFA is setting new standards for accountability and transparency at every level of the game.

A Culture of Responsibility

Integrity is not only about following the rules but also about creating an environment where responsibility is shared, and everyone is accountable for their actions. ZIFA recognises that football must be safeguarded from misconduct if it is to continue inspiring millions of Zimbabweans and providing opportunities for future generations. “Football belongs to the people, and with that comes a responsibility to protect the game’s integrity,” said ZIFA President, Nqobile Magwizi. “By introducing the Ethics Line, we are making it clear that accountability and transparency are not optional values, but essential principles that must guide all of us – especially those entrusted with leadership. This is about raising standards and building a culture where ethical conduct is the foundation of everything we do.”

Why It Matters

The Ethics Line is more than a reporting mechanism. It is a statement of intent. It signals that ZIFA is serious about cleaning up the game, confronting difficult issues, and promoting a culture of fairness and respect. It empowers whistleblowers by providing independence, anonymity where needed, and protection under ZIFA’s strict non-retaliation policy. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through toll-free numbers, a dedicated website, free post, and email. All reports will be handled confidentially and with the seriousness they deserve.

Setting New Standards

ZIFA’s leadership sees the Ethics Line as a vital part of its long-term reform agenda. At a time when global football has faced scrutiny over ethics and governance, Zimbabwe is choosing a different path: one of openness, accountability, and responsibility. Magwizi emphasised that the initiative is not only for compliance but for building trust: “We are determined to set new standards for football governance in our country. Every administrator, coach, player and official must understand that they are accountable – and that protecting the game’s reputation is a collective duty. Integrity is not negotiable.”

A Call to Action

ZIFA encourages everyone connected to the game to embrace the Ethics Line as a safeguard for football’s future. The association believes that with integrity, transparency and accountability at its core, Zimbabwean football can thrive and inspire confidence at home and abroad. With this launch, ZIFA has placed ethics at the heart of its vision for the game – and set a benchmark for others to follow.

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