Incumbent leader Cuthbert Dube was re-elected for another four-year term in charge of the national governing body after he beat his challenger Trevor Carelse-Juul by 44 votes to 14, while Nigel Munyati and Leslie Gwindi failed to make it past the first round of the polls.

However, football's world governing body annulled the elections after its Southern and Eastern Region Development Officer Ashford Mamelodi claimed he witnessed a series of irregularities, including vote buying - secret meetings had taken place the day before, as he observed the election.

ZIFA has now been advised to hold new polls by April 12, while avoiding Government intervention to prevent a transitional committee being appointed by FIFA.

Jérôme Valcke has ordered ZIFA to hold new elections amid allegations of corruption ©AFP/Getty Images


"In view of the above-mentioned issues and others, it can only be prudent that ZIFA organises another election in the next weeks, by April 12 and not later than April 26, for the ZIFA board elections," FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke wrote in a letter to Jonathan Mashingaidze, the organisation's chief executive, after he had received Mamelodi's election report.

"Should you require any further assistance from the FIFA secretariat, we will be available to assist.

"We do, however, trust that you will conduct the elections in a transparent manner that follows the laid-down constitution and statutes acceptable to all contestants.

"May we also take this opportunity to remind you that any interference from any body that is not football-related will attract the maximum sentence from FIFA."

Mashingaidze responded and insisted that ZIFA will arrange a date for the new elections.

"It is our wish that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner that leaves football as the ultimate winner," he added.

Mashingaidze is expected to meet Mamelodi at a FIFA seminar that is currently taking place in South Africa to discuss the programme for the elections, which could see Carelse-Juul, Munyati and Gwindi standing again for the Presidential role.

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