ZIFA Threatens Legal Action Over Online Attacks Against Secretariat Officials After Munetsi AFCON Snub

ZIFA Threatens Legal Action Over Online Attacks Against Secretariat Officials After Munetsi AFCON Snub

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has threatened legal action against individuals responsible for personal attacks and threats directed at secretariat officials following the omission of Marshall Munetsi from AFCON squad.

The association said the backlash, which has largely played out on social media, has escalated into harassment and intimidation of administrative staff who are not involved in technical team selection.

Also Read: ‘These are soldiers’: Willard Katsande blasts ZIFA for Marshall Munetsi’s AFCON saga

Secretariat Cleared of Squad Selection Decisions

In a strongly worded statement, ZIFA moved to distance its secretariat from national team selection matters, stressing that such decisions rest solely with the technical team.

The association defended its officials, stating that they operate strictly within administrative and legal boundaries and do not influence squad composition or coaching decisions.

Chitima Named as Frequent Target of Abuse

ZIFA specifically referenced long-serving official Kudzai Chitima, saying he has repeatedly been subjected to online abuse over issues ranging from player eligibility to team selection — matters the association described as being outside his professional mandate.

The association said the attacks were based on misinformation and a misunderstanding of how football governance structures operate.

Threats and Hate Mail Condemned

ZIFA said it strongly condemns the circulation of hate messages, threats and personal insults aimed at its officials, warning that such conduct will no longer be tolerated.

The association confirmed that it is considering escalating the matter to law enforcement agencies, adding that criticism must not cross into harassment or threats against individuals.

ZIFA urged football supporters to engage constructively and responsibly, especially during emotionally charged moments surrounding national team selections.

“ZIFA further categorically exonerates the Secretariat, including Mr. Kudzai Chitima, who has over the years been a target of abuse on social media due to a range of misplaced and uninformed utterances such as team selection, player passports, and this recent issue.

Secretariat officials do not make technical team selection decisions and act professionally, lawfully, and strictly within their administrative mandates.

The Association strongly condemns the hate mail, threats, and personal attacks directed at officials and notes that such conduct is unacceptable and will be escalated to the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” read part of the statement.