Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
ZIFA have moved in to clear the air on the referees’ storm battering one of its affiliates, the Central Region Soccer League (CSL).
Tempers flared during a CSL midseason review indaba held at the weekend after it emerged that prisons and correctional services side Whawha paid referees prior to their assignments.
This is against the league’s rules and regulations. According to the league’s rules, clubs shouldn’t be privy to match officials handling their games before match day.
However, Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said they had given a directive through the Zifa Referees’ Committee to allow referees to be paid directly into their accounts prior to matches.
“We were seized with that issue after referees complained that it was taking long for them to access their monies after officiating at games. An arrangement was made to deposit the money into the Zifa account, but we realised that it was going to result in logistical challenges hence it was agreed that the monies be paid directly to the respective referees,” said Gwesela.
“This was communicated to the regions through the Zifa Referees’ Committee and it is the only way we could avert the cash crunch. We do not see any problems in such an arrangement, but as long as it is done above board and issues of match fixing do not arise.”
He said if communication did not reach some regions, it was probably due to “administrative issues”.
Zifa Referees’ Committee vice-chairman Gladmore Muzambi declined to comment on the issue, saying he was attending a funeral and would issue a statement.
According to Whawha chairperson Musa Ntonga, Muzambi gave her side the green light to directly deposit money into match officials’ accounts.
However, clubs in the region are not amused because Ntonga is a member of the Zifa Referees’ Committee that is tasked with appointing referees.
They argued that Ntonga was using her position to give an unfair advantage to Whawha, who are in the league’s promotional race.
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