ZIFA Ethics Committee begins integrity checks

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE ZIFA Ethics Committee yesterday announced a list of 135 candidates that have met the basic nominations requirements and will now proceed with the vetting and integrity checks ahead of the upcoming poll to fill Congress positions.

The vetting exercise is being conducted to determine the final list of successful candidates for the December elections in line with the association’s statutes and the ZIFA Electoral Code.

According to a statement from the ZIFA Ethics Committee yesterday, the 135 nominations have met the administrative and financial requirements to proceed to the vetting and integrity checks.

“The ZIFA Ethics Committee wishes to inform the football fraternity and the public that, in line with its mandate under the ZIFA Statutes and the ZIFA Electoral Code, it has commenced the vetting and integrity assessment process for all candidates who have met the basic nomination requirements for the forthcoming ZIFA Members’ Elections scheduled between 6 and 14 December 2025,” said a statement from the Committee.

The scope of the vetting is to verify the authenticity and accuracy of the candidates’ personal and professional information, to conduct background checks against any prior disciplinary sanctions, ongoing investigations and general integrity checks.

The Ethics Committee will also consider tip-offs from various stakeholders and members of the public.

“Pursuant to these provisions, the Ethics Committee is responsible for evaluating the integrity, ethical conduct, and suitability of all candidates nominated to serve in ZIFA structures,” the statement said.

“The committee will ensure that all aspiring office bearers meet the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance as enshrined in the ZIFA and FIFA Statutes.

“The Committee hereby invites members of the public, football stakeholders, and clubs to submit any credible information or issues of concern regarding the integrity or ethical standing of any of the candidates currently under review.”

This exercise is conducted under Article 60 and Article 62 of the ZIFA Statutes, which establish the Ethics Committee as an independent judicial body mandated to safeguard integrity and enforce ethical compliance within ZIFA and the ZIFA Electoral Code, which empowers the Electoral Committee to refer candidates for integrity checks and require that such checks be carried out by the Ethics Committee before final approval of eligibility.

All submissions must be received no later than November 5, 2025 to allow the Committee sufficient time to conclude its reviews and report back to the Electoral Committee within the stipulated time frames.

“The Ethics Committee assures all stakeholders that this process will be conducted independently, confidentially, and in the spirit of fairness and natural justice, in order to uphold the credibility of the ZIFA elections and the integrity of Zimbabwean football,” said the ZIFA Ethics Committee.