ZIFA President Clarifies: No Vehicle Gifts Accepted Amid Ethics Commitment

Harare, Zimbabwe – In a recent exclusive interview with ZIFA Media, President Nqobile Magwizi addressed recent speculation regarding alleged vehicle gifts from businessman Mr. Wicknell Chivayo, reiterating his steadfast commitment to FIFA’s ethical governance standards and clarifying that he has never accepted any such gifts.

President Magwizi, thank you for speaking with us. There have been circulating reports suggesting you accepted a luxury vehicle from Mr. Wicknell Chivayo. Can you clarify the situation for our members and the wider football community?

President Magwizi: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to address these matters directly. I want to state unequivocally: I have never accepted any vehicle, monetary gift, or any other form of personal benefit from Mr. Wicknell Chivayo or any other individual connected to ZIFA affairs. These reports are entirely unfounded and incorrect.

The confusion appears to stem from offers that were made. Early this year, Mr. Chivayo expressed a gesture of appreciation for my leadership through a proposed gift – specifically, he mentioned a 2026 Range Rover Sport valued at approximately US$250,000. Additionally, last year during election work, there was an offer of a Toyota Landcruiser from Mr. Chivayo that was not previously mentioned. Upon careful consideration and consultation with our governance advisors, I respectfully declined both offers.

What led to your decision to decline the offer, especially given the positive intent behind it?

President Magwizi: My decision was guided solely by my commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in football administration, as mandated by FIFA. As President of ZIFA, I am bound by the FIFA Code of Ethics, which explicitly prohibits officials from accepting gifts that could create a conflict of interest or appear to influence their official duties.

Accepting such a valuable gift, particularly from an individual whose businesses have direct ties to football clubs that ZIFA oversees and regulates, would have created a significant conflict of interest. It could compromise, or even appear to compromise, my ability to make impartial decisions in the best interest of Zimbabwean football as a whole.

Furthermore, FIFA has demonstrated a firm stance on such matters in recent years, sanctioning officials – including former CAF President Ahmad – for violations related to gifts and conflicts of interest. As the leader of Zimbabwean football, I have a duty not only to follow these rules myself but to set an unambiguous example of integrity for everyone within our association.

Were there any other related allegations, such as promises of vehicles to ZIFA councillors in exchange for electoral support?

President Magwizi: Yes, there were also allegations dating back to early 2025 that Mr. Chivayo had pledged specific vehicles – including Toyota Landcruisers, Range Rovers, and Toyota Aquas – to ZIFA councillors contingent on their support during the presidential election process. I want to be equally clear on this point: no such pledge was ever made to me, nor did I solicit or encourage any such arrangement. Both Mr. Chivayo and I have publicly denied these allegations. My campaign was built on the principles of transparency, good governance, and service to our football community – not on any form of inducement.

How do you respond to those who might view declining such a generous gesture as a missed opportunity for ZIFA or Zimbabwean football?

President Magwizi: While I sincerely appreciate Mr. Chivayo’s expressed desire to support Zimbabwean football and acknowledge his contributions to the sport through various sponsorships, my responsibility as President is to protect the integrity of our institution above all. Accepting gifts that could impair my judgment or create perceptions of impropriety would ultimately harm ZIFA far more than any single gesture could help.

True support for Zimbabwean football comes through strengthening our structures, investing in grassroots development, supporting our leagues and teams transparently, and working within the established ethical frameworks. There are many appropriate and impactful ways for individuals and businesses to contribute to our sport’s growth without compromising its governance.

What message would you like to share with ZIFA members, stakeholders, and fans regarding your commitment to ethical leadership?

President Magwizi: My message is simple and steadfast: I serve at the pleasure of Zimbabwean football, and my loyalty lies solely with the integrity of our association and the fair development of our sport. I will continue to lead ZIFA with unwavering adherence to FIFA’s statutes, CAF regulations, and our own constitutional governance principles.

Transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct are not just buzzwords – they are the foundation upon which we must rebuild trust and elevate Zimbabwean football to its rightful place. I encourage all members of our football family to hold me, and our leadership, to these same high standards. Together, we can ensure that ZIFA is known not just for our passion for the game, but for the unassailable integrity with which we administer it.

Thank you, President Magwizi, for your clarity and reaffirmation of ZIFA’s commitment to ethical governance.

President Magwizi: Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight. Let us all remain focused on what truly matters – developing talent, improving our leagues, supporting our national teams, and growing the love of football across Zimbabwe – the right way.

This interview was conducted by ZIFA Media on 7 May 2026. For official statements and updates, please visit www.zifa.co.zw or follow ZIFA’s verified social media channels.

Editor’s Note: ZIFA maintains an open-door policy for ethical inquiries. Any concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest or governance matters can be directed to the ZIFA Ethics and Integrity Office via [email protected].

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