Harare lawyer takes Zifa, PSL matter to parliament

A Harare lawyer, Lonias Rozvi Majoni, has petitioned Parliament over reported integrity concerns in Zimbabwean football after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and Premier Soccer League (PSL) allegedly failed to acknowledge his formal complaints within the stipulated seven-day period.

Majoni, who lodged reports with ZIFA and the PSL on November 2, 2026, said the two football governing bodies had not formally acknowledged receipt of his petition, despite the expiry of the seven-day response window on November 9.

He has since approached Parliament, seeking legislative and oversight intervention on matters he argues fall within the State’s jurisdiction, while maintaining that football’s internal disciplinary and governance processes must remain independent.

“Although the 30-day action window has not yet closed, the seven-day period for ZIFA and PSL to acknowledge and respond to our petition has lapsed without reply,” Majoni said.

“Consequently, we have engaged Parliament on the aspects of this matter within its jurisdiction, without interfering in ZIFA’s internal processes or breaching FIFA statutes.

“In a petition submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on November 12, Majoni is seeking the involvement of the Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, with relevant legal affairs committees also expected to consider aspects within their mandate.

The petition follows a series of reported controversies in domestic football, including an alleged approach to CAPS United goalkeeper Washington Arubi to influence teammates, disputes surrounding player registrations and questions over the ownership and control of football clubs.

The lawyer, however, emphasised that the allegations remain unverified and that no individual or club should be presumed guilty.Among other issues, he wants Parliament to examine possible gaps in Zimbabwe’s laws relating to sports manipulation, corruption, beneficial ownership transparency and protection of individuals who report suspected wrongdoing.

He also called for greater accountability from State institutions, including the Sports and Recreation Commission, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.

Majoni stressed that his approach was not intended to trigger FIFA intervention or undermine football’s autonomy.

“We have taken these steps in good faith and in the public interest to exhaust all local remedies before escalating the matter internationally, which could carry adverse consequences,” he said.

The 30-day response period granted to ZIFA and the PSL expires on December 2, 2026. Majoni indicated that he would consider approaching FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) through their established channels if the internal remedies fail.

He said he would not support any suspension of ZIFA or freezing of football development funds, arguing that such measures would ultimately hurt players and clubs.

The petition calls for constructive engagement and legislative reforms to strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in Zimbabwean football without compromising the autonomy of its governing institutions.