ZIFA Cracks whip on Bogus Agents

ZIFA has encouraged football stakeholders to deal with authentic agents.

LOCAL Football stakeholders have been urged not to tolerate phony agents engaged in player transfers who are not licensed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

This comes amid reports that there was a bogus individual who posed as a soccer transfer agent.

In a statement, ZIFA encouraged football stakeholders to deal with authentic agents.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to advise all football stakeholders involved in any player transfers to engage bona fide intermediaries, duly registered and licensed by the local football mother body,” said the soccer mother body.

The Dr Philip Chiyangwa headed organisation said it will not hesitate to crack its whip on the offenders.

“In that vein, ZIFA strongly warns all individuals and corporates who are masquerading as intermediaries to desist from handling player transfers, failure of which will force the association to invoke football statues on the offending parties,” while noting, “with dismay that some individuals are already practising as intermediaries without requisite licenses.”

ZIFA had to come through in reaction to a report in the mainstream media about a bogus agent.

“We are disturbed that last week one individual was quoted in the newspapers masquerading as an intermediary. We feel this is fraudulent,” said the soccer mother body.

ZIFA added that applications are still invited for interested parties to avoid being punished.

“ZIFA recently invited applications from individuals and corporates interested in becoming intermediaries, and all who are interested are encouraged to apply for licensing in order to avoid punitive action,” said ZIFA.

Added ZIFA, “Meanwhile, ZIFA would like to categorically state that it fully recognises and respects the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) as a trade union for players. However, the association strongly urges FUZ to stick to its mandate, while avoiding encroaching into association football business. The ZIFA Player Status Committee is the only football authority sanctioned to deliberate on disputes involving players and clubs.” –sportbrief.co.zw