Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOLLOWING their suspension by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), the Zimbabwe Football Federation for Amateur and Social Leagues (Zifasol) has threatened legal action.
In a letter addressed to the Zifa chief executive officer, Zifasol president Francis Zimunya, outlined the reasons why the organisation would not comply with the suspension, urging Zifa to refrain from interfering in its operations or risk legal consequences.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12 June 2025, the contents of which are noted. However, after reviewing your communication to Zifasol, our response is as follows: We reject your decision for the following reasons. On several occasions, we have sought to engage Zifa in meetings to exchange ideas and explore ways to harmonise our efforts, but you have repeatedly failed to accommodate us, offering unfounded excuses.
“You have effectively barred Zifasol from participating in the Assembly without following the proper procedures outlined in the Zifa Constitution, and without providing reasons for a decision that affects thousands of people — many of whom Zifa has failed to reach over the past 20 years. May we remind you that every child has a right to education and skills training. Zifasol is not a Zifa affiliate. It is an independent organisation governed by its own constitution, rules and regulations.”
The letter continued: “Zifa’s mandate is to promote football, not to ban organisations that are actively developing the sport in every ward across Zimbabwe. The Constitution of the land provides for freedom of association —something Zifa now seeks to violate. This amounts to a breach of human rights, particularly for those in remote rural areas where Zifa has never set foot.
“The Zifa Assembly is now obsolete and lacks the mandate to issue such corrosive decisions that hinder stakeholders from developing football. We will not halt our programmes, as our existence is rooted in the Minister’s mandate and the initiatives of our members and organisation.
“If you continue to interfere with our operations, we will have no choice but to escalate the matter to the Minister, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and seek arbitration. In the meantime, we urge you to cease all interference with Zifasol’s operations, or legal action will be taken without further notice.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Zifa said Zifasol had been organising football activities at the area zone level without the necessary authority. Zifa emphasised that the organisation of area zone football falls exclusively under its jurisdiction and that of its officially recognised members.
The national football governing body stated that Zifasol’s application for membership had not been approved and therefore, the organisation was operating unlawfully. It also declared all training courses conducted by Zifasol null and void.
“It has come to the Association’s attention that Zifasol continues to organise football activities at the area zone level without the necessary authority. Zifa reiterates that the organisation of area zone football is the exclusive mandate of
Zifa and its officially recognised members. No other entity is permitted to operate such structures outside the Association’s jurisdiction.
“Zifasol has been conducting football training courses without accreditation or approval from Zifa. The public is therefore advised that any football training or education programmes conducted under Zifasol are not recognised and are hereby declared null and void. In line with the statutes of the Association, and to maintain the integrity and proper governance of football in Zimbabwe, Zifa has directed the immediate suspension of all activities organised under the Zifasol banner. These activities constitute parallel administration of football, which is in direct violation of Zifa regulations.”
Zifa further directed all clubs and leagues previously affiliated with or participating in Zifasol competitions to immediately align themselves with officially sanctioned Zifa Area Zone structures.
