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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA and Cosafa president Philip Chiyangwa flew out of the country on Tuesday following an invitation by the Egyptian Football Association.
This is contrary to reports from some sections of the electronic media that claimed that the property mogul had been summoned by Caf to a disciplinary hearing.
However, in a letter which this publication is in possession of and addressed to the Zifa president by the Egyptian Football Association’s executive manager Sarwat Swelam, the visit by Chiyangwa was on the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Abo Rida Hany.
Dated March 4, 2017, the letter reads; “Egyptian Football association is delighted to invite Mr Philip Chiyangwa president of Zimbabwe Football Federation during the period of 06-11 March 2017 to work on the cooperation between both federations.
We will provide you later with the agenda of meetings that will be held during your visit and the name of the hotel as soon as you confirm your date of arrival,”
A livid Zifa vice president, Omega Sibanda said media organisations must always try to seek clarification rather than spreading falsehoods.
“The media must not author lies, president Chiyangwa is in Egypt on the invitation of his counterpart, certainly not to attend some imagined disciplinary hearing,” said Sibanda.
The media reports said Chiyangwa was summoned after a public confrontation with Caf president Issa Hayatou who is facing his greatest challenge on his 29-year stranglehold of African football. He faces Ahmad Ahmad, the Madagascar FA president during the March 16 elections which are set for Ethiopia.
Online Reporter