adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE government yesterday ordered the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to seize Zifa’s reconciliation books from the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea for a forensic audit.
The investigation and audit by the country’s supreme sports body, which kicked off last night, is expected to be finalised this weekend before their findings are presented to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation on Monday.
Sports and Recreation Minister Andrew Langa said last night: “We had a meeting this afternoon; both Zifa and the SRC were fully represented and I ordered that they (SRC) go through the income and expenditure statement and then do an audit of the books. We would want to find out how much exactly was raised from the match, who was paid what and proof of that payment. The SRC will also obviously consult those said to have been paid”.
Minister Langa said he never entertained any explanations from Zifa, but simply ordered them to hand over their books.
“I also took them to task for the way they treated acting Minister of Sports Walter Mzembi, who was made to wait outside Rufaro Stadium for more than an hour,” he said.
MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and his entourage received VIP treatment upon arrival at the stadium.
Zifa’s income and expenditure statement has roundly been condemned as fraudulent and meant to deceive the nation that they realised a huge loss.
Despite the $4,000 allegedly paid to four board members and $3,000 said to have been paid to an unnamed transporter, it has since emerged that the $12,500 shown on the statement as money paid for airfares for foreign-based players and match officials was actually advanced to them by a Harare-based business executive, who has not been reimbursed.
The income and expenditure statement also showed that a total of $920 was paid for car hire services for referees ($300), match commissioner ($300) and head of delegation ($320 ), but a quick check with a reputable car hire company in Harare revealed that they charge $30 from the airport to a city hotel.
Another figure that raised eyebrows is the $2,291 reflected as accommodation for the five match officials, who jetted into the country on Saturday and departed on Monday morning.
An official at the hotel where the officials were accommodated said bed and breakfast costs $140 per person.
Online Reporter