DR Philip Chiyangwa has been taken aback by CAF claims his planned birthday bash in Harare to be attended by among others FA heads from within and outside COSAFA, presents “an attempt to destabilize” the continental body.
CAF leadership in a letter dated 11 February 2017 further reminded Chiyangwa he does not have “any authority to convene such a meeting, without CAF knowledge nor without its required approval.”
But in a rejoinder, the straight hitting new COSAFA boss is categorical “the gathering of family and friends” “does not violate any football statutes” – citing his fundamental human rights to freedom of association as enshrined in Article 3 of FIFA statutes.
“I was taken aback, to say the least, by the tone of your letter and the clear insinuation that such an informal gathering of my family and friends be they Presidents of Member Associations on the African continent would be considered, out rightly, as an attempt to destabilize CAF.
“The informal gathering styled as “DR Philip Chiyangwa Birthday and COSAFA Presidency Victory celebration in Harare scheduled for the 14th of February 2017 is merely my belated birthday celebration as I was born on the 3rd of February 1959. This in my view does not violate any football statues,” the business mogul said in a response letter dated 14 February 2017.
He also cites Article 2 (K) of CAF statutes which expressly urges friendly relations between National Associations, Zonal Unions, clubs, officials and players.
“The interaction in Harare on the date mentioned above is intended to promote and further the very same objective,” he points out.
Chiyangwa, who is also the Zimbabwe FA President is calling for an apology for the “misapprehension” of his noble intentions by CAF.
“In the circumstances, considering the clear misapprehension of my noble intentions by CAF, an apology is warranted for the inconvenience caused by the allegations arising from your letter.”
The meeting comes a day after conclusion of FIFA Executive Summit planned in Johannesburg on February 21st to 23rd 2017.
Close observers reckon the gathering to attract pro Ahmad Ahmad forces in the lead-up to CAF presidential polls next month in Addis, is a threat to Issa Hayatou’s quest for a record 8th term, as it presents a platform for his “foes” to bond and further strategize on how to oust him.
Chiyangwa, a close ally of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is increasingly becoming the face of a new wave of change – seeking to establish a new order at CAF, where Hayatou has reigned as President since 1988.
Last week COSAFA endorsed Ahmad (Madagascar FA President), who is the sole Hayatou’s challenger for the top seat.
