Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi says he turned down two vehicles offered by Wicknell Chivayo, due to his commitment to the highest ethical standards in football administration, in line with FIFA rules.
Speaking in a recent interview with ZIFA Media, Magwizi confirmed he was offered a 2026 Range Rover Sport worth around US$250,000 and a Toyota Land Cruiser. He said he declined both gifts after careful thought and advice from his governance team.
“I have never accepted any vehicle, monetary gift, or any other form of personal benefit from Mr Wicknell Chivayo or any other individual connected to ZIFA affairs.”
Magwizi stressed that accepting Chivayo’s gifts would have been a serious conflict of interest, given Chivayo’s direct links to football clubs that ZIFA oversees and regulates.
“My decision was guided solely by my commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in football administration, as mandated by FIFA,” said Magwizi.
“As President of ZIFA, I am bound by the FIFA Code of Ethics, which explicitly prohibits officials from accepting gifts that could create a conflict of interest or appear to influence their official duties.
“Accepting such a valuable gift, particularly from an individual whose businesses have direct ties to football clubs that ZIFA oversees and regulates, would have created a significant conflict of interest.
“It could compromise, or even appear to compromise, my ability to make impartial decisions in the best interest of Zimbabwean football as a whole.
“Furthermore, FIFA has demonstrated a firm stance on such matters in recent years, sanctioning officials – including former CAF President Ahmad – for violations related to gifts and conflicts of interest.
“As the leader of Zimbabwean football, I have a duty not only to follow these rules myself but to set an unambiguous example of integrity for everyone within our association.”
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