Online Reporter
Tawah Munthali
Zimpapers SportsHub
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended five match officials after determining that their officiating decisions materially affected the outcomes of matches in the Premier Soccer League and regional leagues.
The sanctions follow the association’s review of reports submitted by match commissioners.
Premier Soccer League assistant referee Phikisani Ndlovu has been suspended for six league matches – from Matchday 21 to Matchday 26 – following 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 have each been handed six match suspensions covering Matchday 17 to Matchday 22 after their performance in the Marere FC versus Zambezi G&C FC match played at Centenary Ground on June 21.
Meanwhile, Southern Region Soccer League referee Graduate Mubobo and assistant referee Praise Mkwevo have also been suspended for six matches covering Matchday 16 to Matchday 21 following a match officiated at Chinotimba Stadium on June 24.
ZIFA believes the officials made incorrect decisions that materially influenced the results of the respective matches, constituting a breach of Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct.
The association said the suspensions underscore its commitment to upholding integrity, accountability and high officiating standards across all competitions under its jurisdiction.
