ZIFA President Dr. Philip Chiyangwa has given Executive Producer of Supersport’s show “Soccer Africa” 48 hours to furnish him with evidence that he misappropriated the federation’s funds or else he/she will face a law suit.
In a letter through his lawyers, Chiyangwa, has registered “displeasure and utmost concern” with the contents of the show aired on Thursday night – alleging he could be in “hot water” after “failing to account for $2 million from FIFA.”
“We have been instructed to request that you promptly furnish us with details of the empirical evidence that supports the serious allegations made against our client,”
“Further we request confirmation of the information that factually establishes the contentions as broadcast in your by-line during the show,” the letter in Soka25east’s possession dated 3rd November reads partly.
It adds: “You would also know that in the absence of evidence and justification for the allegations made, the allegations broadcasted to the wide audience of the show across Africa are patently defamatory and justify a claim for damages,”
“On that not we put you on notice our client’s intention to proceed and assert his rights at law should we not receive the information or your response within the next forty-eight hours.”
Separately, the COSAFA boss has told Soka25east he will be pressing for $10 million in damages if Supersport and by extension Soccer Africa fail to satisfy his demands.
“I will seek $10 million in damages for soiling my name. I have a name to protect in Africa and outside,” Chiyangwa who is also the vice president of CAF’s African Cup of Nations Organizing Committee asserted.
“They didn’t bother to confirm with me the false story they picked from one of Zimbabwe newspapers,” he added.
Soccer Africa airs every Thursday on Supersport 4 and 9 and has a wide audience across Africa
Chiyangwa’s influence within Africa has continued to expand since leading an onslaught which culminated in the ouster of former long serving CAF president Issa Hayatou in March this year.
He is widely viewed as an insider of the current president Ahmad, who he vigorously campaigned for and also the FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
