Chicken Inn threaten to approach Fifa to suspend PSL matches

AGGRIEVED Chicken Inn have threatened to approach Fifa to suspend Premier Soccer League matches until there is normalcy in the appointment of referees as well as a proper referees' structure in place.

Presently, all appointments are being done by the PSL secretariat. Chicken Inn's threat comes following questionable officiating by Midlands referee Thomas Massa in their 0-1 loss to FC Platinum. The Gweru official denied Chicken what appeared to be two clear penalties and even overruled his assistant in the second penalty incident.

The assistant flagged a foul inside the box and quickly ran to take his place for a Chicken Inn penalty, but Massa instead awarded a free kick outside the box. "As a football club, we reserve the right to inform Fifa through your office to have the league suspended until proper structures on referees are put in place with the aid of Fifa and resume training of the referees," read part of Chicken Inn secretary Tawenga Hara's letter addressed to Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda.

Chicken Inn called for the immediate suspension of Massa, who is alleged to have told the Bulawayo side that he did not need their money (as part of referees fees) as he was given enough money to take him to the Midlands.

Sibanda confirmed receiving the Chicken Inn letter, but said they were still carrying out investigations. "I am also waiting for the referees' committee chairman Peter Dube's report, but the incident being mentioned by Chicken Inn happened when I was there. I witnessed it, but I need an official document from the referees' committee," said Sibanda.

Meanwhile, some clubs are up in arms with the ceding of powers to appoint referees to the PSL secretariat, which is a Zifa affiliate. A referee told Chronicle Sport that a receptionist at the PSL offices phones and informs them about their assignments.