Zimpapers Sports Club
ZIFA and PSL have warned top-light league clubs that the integrity of the game comes above everything else and any forms of match-fixing are not allowed.
The two governing bodies were reacting to an audio recording, which went viral on social media, in which Kwekwe United president, Bridgette Mudhosi, was recorded while allegedly trying to influence today’s league match between Scottland and CAPS United at Rufaro.
In the recording, Bridgette is heard trying to coerce injured CAPS United goalkeeper Washington Arubi to help her fix the game.
Arubi, who recorded the conversation, rejected the dirty deal and also rejected her attempts to use him to bring other players into her shenanigans.
She will now face possible sanctions from ZIFA.
She claimed she had been sent by Scottland but sources at the champions last night dismissed the claims that she was acting on their behalf as “baseless” and “frivolous.”
While Scottland officials said they did not want to give the allegations any credibility by officially commenting on specifics, they insisted they never sent Bridgette on any assignment.
ZIFA CEO, Yvonne Manwa, released a statement yesterday making it clear that such shenanigans were not allowed in the game.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association wishes to remind all PSL Governors of their responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and Fair Play in all football activities.
“The integrity of our game remains non-negotiable.
“ZIFA maintains a firm zero-tolerance against match manipulation, corruption and any conduct that undermines the credibility of football.
“All clubs are expected to ensure that their officials, players, technical teams and representatives conduct themselves in a manner that protects the reputation and values of the game.
“Club leadership is urged to remain vigilant and entirely promote compliance with all the applicable ZIFA, CAF and FIFA regulations governing ethics, integrity and competitions.
“As custodians of Zimbabwe football, let us collectively safeguard the integrity of our competitions to ensure that every result is determined solely by merit, commitment and performance on the field of play.”
PSL chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa, says the league will not ignore allegations of corruption levelled against but called for formal complaints and concrete evidence before investigations can start.
“As an elite league, we don’t tolerate manipulation of matches, we don’t tolerate corruption,” Mupfurutsa said.
“What we encourage is Fair Play.”
He urged aggrieved parties to follow established procedures and submit evidence to the relevant authorities.
