ZIFA Directs NRSL to Enforce Appeals Committee Decision in Chingwere FC Dispute

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has instructed the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) to urgently implement an Appeals Committee ruling that overturned the league’s earlier rejection of Chingwere FC for the 2026 season.

In correspondence addressed to NRSL chairman S.K. Mushonga, ZIFA confirmed that it had processed a complaint and appeal lodged by Chingwere FC after the club was denied membership into the Northern Region top-flight.

Following the complaint, ZIFA said it exercised its constitutional oversight role by requesting a detailed report from the NRSL outlining the legal and administrative basis for its decision. The submissions, together with the appeal record, were referred to the ZIFA Appeals Committee for adjudication.

The Appeals Committee subsequently allowed the appeal in part, set aside the NRSL’s decision, and ruled that Chingwere FC’s initial acceptance as a participating team for the 2026 campaign must remain in force pending consideration by Congress.

ZIFA emphasised that rulings of its judicial bodies are binding on all members and affiliated leagues. The association has therefore directed the NRSL to take immediate administrative action to give full effect to the decision.

The league has been ordered to submit written confirmation to the ZIFA Secretariat within 48 hours outlining the steps taken to comply.

ZIFA warned that failure to implement the ruling would constitute a breach of its statutes and could result in disciplinary proceedings.

The association further noted that any party dissatisfied with the Appeals Committee outcome may only seek further recourse at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, in line with both ZIFA and FIFA statutes governing football disputes.

Until such time as the decision is overturned by CAS, ZIFA said the Appeals Committee ruling remains binding and enforceable.