ZIFA CEO Jonathan Mashingaidze was arrested and questioned by police on Wednesday after his predecessor Henrietta Rushwaya reported him for criminal defamation.

Mashingaidze was leaving the Harare Magistrates’ Court where he is a witness in his alleged abduction case when he was picked up by CID detectives.

Rushwaya filed the complaint after media reports quoted Mashingaidze on June 12 as saying that two players – Ovidy Karuru and Knowledge Musona – had been seen leaving her office.

The reports suggested Rushwaya – who was fired from ZIFA for match fixing – was trying to corruptly influence the two players to throw matches just days before Zimbabwe played Burundi in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Rushwaya and the two players denied the meeting had ever taken place.

CID spokesperson Detective Chief Inspector Augustine Zimbili confirmed Mashingaidze's arrest.

“I do confirm that a report of criminal defamation has been made and we have since recorded statements from the accused,” he said.

“I cannot say much at the moment for fear of jeopardising investigations. I understand he was released after the recording of statements.”