Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, innocent.k[email protected]
THE Zifa Southern Region Division One League is set to take a tough stance against clubs that have failed to pay their affiliation fees, with defaulting teams facing suspension from fixtures and the loss of points beginning this weekend.
Sources told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the decision was reached after league officials concluded that clubs had been given sufficient time to settle their dues, but some had failed to do so.
According to the sources, any club that has not paid its affiliation fee by the weekend will not be fixture and will forfeit points until it complies with the league’s requirements.
The clubs understood to be affected are Imbizo, Zebra Revolution, Mosi Rovers, Blackrock, Victoria Falls Herentals, Khami United, Bulawayo City and Bosso90.
The Southern Region had initially granted clubs a grace period to make payments, but league officials now believe enough time has been afforded and stricter enforcement is necessary to maintain discipline and ensure the smooth running of the competition.
Affiliation fees in the Southern Region are pegged at US$3,500 for new clubs and US$2,500 for returning teams, making it one of the more affordable Division One leagues in the country.
By comparison, clubs in the Northern Region pay US$6,000 regardless of whether they are new entrants or returning members. In the Central Region, new clubs are required to pay US$7,450 while returning clubs pay US$3,940. The Eastern Region charges a flat affiliation fee of US$3,900.
The impending sanctions are expected to pile pressure on the affected clubs, some of which are battling for promotion while others are fighting to avoid relegation.
With the second half of the season gathering momentum, failure to meet the financial obligations could prove costly, not only through forfeited matches and lost points but also by disrupting the integrity of the competition. League officials are hoping the tough measures will encourage clubs to settle their outstanding dues without further delay.
