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CUTHBERT DUBE

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Reporter
Members of the Zimbabwe Football Association’s Independent Disciplinary Ad Hoc committee appointed to investigate and conduct disciplinary hearings on the Asiagate scandal in 2011, have filed a lawsuit at the High Court claiming unpaid fees to the tune of US$600 000. The eight-member committee, that was chaired by Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ahamed Ebrahim, was tasked with investigating allegations of match-fixing, betting and corrupt practices among Zimbabwe National soccer team players, ZIFA officials and support staff. They would record statements and gather any other evidence relevant to the investigation.

At the close of the investigation, the committee forwarded its findings and recommendations to ZIFA and appropriate action was taken, resulting in some being fined while others were banned from participating in soccer activities.

In terms of the agreement signed by the eight and Zifa President Dr Cuthbert Dube, the committee members were to be paid for work done.
They agreed on the remuneration but payment was not made in full.

For all the work done, the committee submitted to ZIFA a bill of US$746 043 and only US$146 566 was paid.
Payment was made through Dr Dube between March 2012 and May 2013. A balance of US$599 477 is still owing. On February 19 this year, the committee wrote to ZIFA demanding the balance.

ZIFA responded on March 14 and acknowledged the debt and undertaking to clear it through four instalments of US$150 000.
The first instalment, according to the undertaking, was to be made by May 31 this year, the second one by end of August. The committee was supposed to receive the third and fourth instalments by end of November and end of February next year.

In breach of the undertaking, ZIFA did not pay anything, resulting in the committee filing a claim at the High Court. In the summons filed by Honey and Blanckenberg law firm on October 3 this year, the committee members want payment of their money with interest.

Interest will be calculated at the prescribed rate from December 2, 2013 to the date of payment in full.
They also want the football body to pay legal fees incurred in the proceedings instituted to recover the debt. ZIFA is yet to respond to the lawsuit.