Phiri, Machana throw in the towel

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TWINE Phiri and Philemon Machana have withdrawn their Zifa elections appeal at the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland
The two had been challenging Nqobile Magwizi’s election citing influences of third parties and wanted a re-run of the elections and Magwizi disqualified.
“We therefore announce as we hereby do, that we are withdrawing the CAS appeal. Likewise we urge all stakeholders to accept and appreciate our decision and in equal measure, to rally behind and support the new executive committee,” read at statement from Phiri and Machana.
The duo had previously cited that the elections were not free and fair due to third-party influence from businessman Wicknell Chivayo and should be declared null and void.
Hours before the polls, Chivayo promised Zifa councillors new cars and a US$10 million donation to the football body if they voted for Magwizi.
Magwizi later won the election.
Magwizi recorded the highest victory in a Zifa presidential election.
None of the other contesting presidential candidates managed a double figure in their defeat, Machana managed six votes while Phiri had four.
Marshall Gore another losing candidate managed only one vote while former football player Makwinji Soma-Phiri had zero.