By Desire Tshuma
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended five match officials for six matches each after ruling that their incorrect decisions directly influenced the outcomes of Premier Soccer League and regional league games in June.
The suspensions were announced by the ZIFA Media and Communications Department following the review of reports submitted by match commissioners.
Assistant referee Phikisani Ndlovu was handed a six-match ban from PSL Matchday 21 to 26. His suspension relates to the FC Platinum versus Hunters FC match played at Mandava Stadium on 27 June 2026.
In the Northern Region Soccer League, referee Chamunorwa Tapiwa and assistant referee Christian Gumbeze were each suspended for six matches from Matchday 17 to 22. The sanction stems from the Marere FC versus Zambezi G & C FC fixture at Centenary Ground on 21 June 2026.
Southern Region officials Graduate Mubobo, referee, and Praise Mkwevo, assistant referee, also received six-match bans from Matchday 16 to 21 after officiating a match at Chinotimba Stadium on 24 June 2026.
According to ZIFA, the officials violated Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct after being found guilty of “incorrect officiating decisions considered to have materially affected the outcomes of the respective matches.”
“ZIFA remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, integrity and accountability across all competitions under its jurisdiction,” the association said in the statement.
The action comes amid growing complaints from clubs and supporters about the quality of officiating this season, with several matches marred by controversial decisions.