Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Football Association (ZIFA)’s revenue increased in 2025 to US$4,644,576 from US$4,142,875 recorded in 2024 although the rise was accompanied by a significant jump in expenditure driven largely by national team operations and grassroots football programmes.
According to the association’s 2025 financial and operational results, revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, rose to US$4,644,576, from US$4,142,875 recorded in 2024.
ZIFA also reported US$1,768,805 in other income, comprising government grants, sponsorships, advertising and merchandise indicating the growing importance of diversified revenue streams in supporting the administration and development of football.
However, expenditure increased substantially during the year as the association stepped up spending on national team activities and grassroots programmes.
Match-related expenses alone rose to US$3,982,402, from US$2,271,514 in 2024, while other expenses increased to US$2,475,097, from US$1,534,968.
The increased spending pushed ZIFA into a US$67,143 deficit, compared with a US$400,452 surplus recorded in the previous financial year.
Despite the deficit, the association said its financial position remained resilient, maintaining US$3.51 million in reserves, which it said underscored prudent financial stewardship.
The financial performance comes against the backdrop of a major institutional transition for ZIFA, following the restoration of democratic governance through elections after the January 2025 Electoral Congress.
In its review of operations, ZIFA said the year was pivotal in rebuilding the association’s legitimacy and strengthening its institutional foundations.
The association also pointed to strengthened partnerships with FIFA, CAF, Government and corporate sponsors as key to sustaining its operations.
ZIFA said its strategic direction during the year was anchored on five pillars, including strengthening governance, building partnerships, commercialisation and financial sustainability, infrastructure and technology development, and technical prowess and football performance.
Under commercialisation, the association is seeking to expand sponsorship, club licensing and monetisation of competitions as it works towards reducing reliance on traditional sources of funding.
The financial results also reflect the cost of rebuilding the national football ecosystem, with increased investment in national teams, grassroots football and women’s football.
ZIFA said its priorities going forward include accelerating reforms and programmes, deepening sustainability through diversified revenue streams, improving the competitiveness of national teams and expanding inclusion across grassroots, schools and women’s football.
“The foundations are in place, systems are maturing, and ambition is non-negotiable,” ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said.
“With consistent execution, Zimbabwean football will continue its transformation into a professionally governed, financially resilient and technically competitive ecosystem.”
