CAS Notifies ZIFA, FIFA of Benjani Mwaruwari’s Appeal Over Election Exclusion
_Benjani appeals ZIFA ban over 5 O’ Levels rule_
HARARE, Zimbabwe — The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has formally notified ZIFA and FIFA of Benjani Mwaruwari’s appeal against his exclusion from the final list of candidates eligible for the ZIFA presidency in the January 25 election.
Mwaruwari, a former Zimbabwe Warriors captain and Manchester City striker, was omitted from the candidate list released by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee on December 23. After requesting an explanation from ZIFA without success, he lodged his appeal with CAS under FIFA statutes, which allow appeals against decisions by member associations within 21 days.
The Switzerland-based CAS has instructed ZIFA to submit a statement of defense, jurisdictional objections, and supporting evidence for the case.
While ZIFA has not publicly disclosed the reasons for Mwaruwari’s exclusion, sources within the organization claim he failed to meet eligibility criteria. Specifically, he reportedly lacks the required five Ordinary Level passes, despite submitting his UEFA A coaching certificate as an equivalent qualification.
“Benjani (Mwaruwari) does not have 5 O’ Level passes so he submitted his UEFA A as an alternative. Also, the fact that he is currently studying for a coaching degree makes him somewhat overqualified, if the new ZIFA constitution is anything to go by, so he does have a case,” a source told Soccer24. _*— Soccer24*_
