Eaton clarifies amnesty comments

emerge from the Asiagate crisis and ensure the country’s game will not fall prey to match-fixing scams again but would need government’s support.
Eaton, who flew into the country at lunchtime on Saturday in the company of investigations officer Terry Stean, met with Zifa’s Asiagate investigating committee yesterday for a marathon indaba that began in the morning and lasted around 2.30pm.
He then emerged from the meeting to reveal that he was of the view that those implicated in the scandal could “still come forward and tell the truth to help the game”.
The Fifa head of security met with three members of the investigating committee – Elliot Kasu, Benedict Moyo and Fungai Chihuri – as well as Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze, while head of the Zifa probe team Ndumiso Gumede was conspicuous by his absence as he was said to be out of the country.
Eaton declined to discuss much about his mission to Zimbabwe so far saying he could not reveal much until he had met with all concerned parties especially the government officials and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Easton is expected to discuss the Asiagate report in full at a media briefing later today.
He, however, said it was critical that the global game be cleaned from match-fixing and illegal betting which he described as “a serious international crime that poses a big threat to football”.
“The meeting has been very positive . . . we have as very much to learn from Zifa as we have information to give them. I will issue my full comments tomorrow after all my meetings, I think I will be meeting the government, police and other officials”.
Crucially for Zifa though is that Eaton has stressed that he will use his visit to help Zimbabwe emerge from the tainted past that was brought by the Asiagate.
“This visit will help us to show Zimbabwe the connection between their case and the global community and that we are all fighting this crime of match-fixing.
“We want to fight match-fixing together and win and this needs everyone’s support and even the Zimbabwean media should realise that there are serious international ramifications from match fixing and should help and support the Zifa board,” Eaton said.
The Australian also clarified on his earlier sentiments on amnesty for those implicated in match-fixing.
Eaton was quoted by Reuters as indicating that there could be amnesty for those fingered in match-fixing.
“Amnesty is a proposal that we have made that will be put to the general assembly but not for now, it is for the future. With regards to the Zifa case, amnesty will not apply for now when the matter has not yet been finalised and it is still to be taken to an ad-hoc committee (Asiagate Ethics Committee).
“But if players, administrators, coaches and any officials want to come forward now with the truth we will give consideration (for amnesty) but if they don’t they will face the full wrath of Fifa,” Eaton said.
Eaton also maintained that Zifa’s bid to clean the game would only become a success story if the association received the full support of government and its arms such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Anti Corruption Commission.
Apart from the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, the ZRP and the Anti Corruption Commission, the Fifa duo of Eaton and Stean is also expected to meet with the Sport and Recreation Commission representatives among their series of meetings.