Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has wielded the big stick against poor officiating, suspending five match officials after concluding that their decisions materially influenced the outcomes of matches in the Premier Soccer League as well as the Northern and Southern Region Soccer Leagues.
In a statement said the sanctions followed reports submitted by match commissioners, with the officials found to have breached Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees’ Code of Conduct.
Premier Soccer League assistant referee Phikisani Ndlovu received a six-match suspension covering Matchdays 21 to 26 following his performance in the FC Platinum versus Hunters FC encounter played at Mandava Stadium on June 27.
In the Northern Region Soccer League, referee Chamunorwa Tapiwa and assistant referee Christian Gumbeze were both banned for six matches after the June 21 clash between Marere FC and Zambezi G and C FC at Centenary Ground.
The Southern Region Soccer League was also affected, with referee Graduate Mubobo suspended for six matches from Matchday 16 to 21 after a match officiated at Chinotimba Stadium on June 24. Assistant referee Praise Mkwevo received an identical suspension arising from the same fixture.
Zifa said the disciplinary action was necessary to uphold the integrity of the game.
“The sanctions relate to incorrect officiating decisions considered to have materially affected the outcomes of the respective matches, in breach of Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees’ Code of Conduct,” the association said.
The football governing body added that it remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, integrity and accountability across all competitions under its jurisdiction.
The latest suspensions send a strong message that officials will be held accountable for costly errors, as ZIFA seeks to restore confidence in refereeing standards amid growing scrutiny over controversial decisions in domestic football.
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