Speaking to BBC Sport, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Mr Philip Chiyangwa threatened to take legal action against CAF President Issa Hayatou and Secretary General Hicham El Amrani. This comes after a birthday party he hosted in Harare on 23 February has become a matter to be discussed by Caf’s Executive Committee on Tuesday 14 March, two days ahead of a CAF presidential election.
Caf had warned Chiywanga that hosting the gathering would be seen as “an attempt to destabilise” the continental football governing body. Said Chiyangwa:
They shouldn’t dare me with silly innuendos – making nefarious allegations. My legal team is preparing to go into battle against President Issa Hayatou and Secretary General Hicham El Amrani. If necessary following any deliberations that are prejudicial to my interests and standing, I will be taking legal recourse to the extent that Hayatou and El Amrani will be held personally liable for defamation.
Chiyangwa is campaign manager for the bid by Madagscar FA President Ahmad Ahmad to unseat Hayatou, who is the longest-serving president in Caf history after assuming office in 1988. Chiyangwa claims his party last month was both to celebrate his election as president of the southern African football region Cosafa in December as well as his birthday in early February.
More: BBC Sport