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Karoi appeals Scottland FC dubious decision
10 Nov 2024 at 10:38hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Appeals Committee will convene on Thursday to deliberate on the appeal lodged by Karoi United regarding the controversial awarding of a 3-0 victory to Scottland FC following an abandoned match on September 15.
The highly anticipated match was halted in the 88th minute with the score at 1-1, after referee Mathew Dingo was allegedly struck by a missile from the crowd, leaving him unable to complete officiating. Following the incident, the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) held Karoi United responsible for the disruption and awarded Scottland FC the victory, a decision that elevated Scottland FC to the league's top position.
Scottland FC, led by Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya, took advantage of the ruling to secure a crucial three points, allowing them to surpass their competitors. In a subsequent game last Friday, Scottland FC further solidified their position by defeating Black Mambas 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium, ending the season with 87 points — two points ahead of second-placed MWOS, who earned a narrow 1-0 win over Agama at Ngoni Stadium.
Karoi United, however, quickly responded to the NRSL's ruling with an official appeal. Yesterday, ZIFA confirmed receipt of Karoi United's appeal in a letter addressed to the club's chairperson, Charles Marime. ZIFA chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa outlined the upcoming proceedings, stating, "The Appeals Committee is provisionally scheduled to sit on the 14th of November at 11am. Should you wish to submit any further materials, please do so before the set date. We have also written to the Northern Region requesting the record of proceedings."
In light of ZIFA's protocols, the NRSL proceeded with the final fixtures of the season, as appeals not lodged in a formal court do not suspend a disciplinary committee's ruling. This decision allowed Scottland FC to play their final match, which secured their top position on the Northern Region Soccer League table.
Thursday's hearing will ultimately determine if the initial NRSL decision to award Scottland FC the win and the three points will stand, or if Karoi United's appeal may alter the final standings.
The highly anticipated match was halted in the 88th minute with the score at 1-1, after referee Mathew Dingo was allegedly struck by a missile from the crowd, leaving him unable to complete officiating. Following the incident, the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) held Karoi United responsible for the disruption and awarded Scottland FC the victory, a decision that elevated Scottland FC to the league's top position.
Scottland FC, led by Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya, took advantage of the ruling to secure a crucial three points, allowing them to surpass their competitors. In a subsequent game last Friday, Scottland FC further solidified their position by defeating Black Mambas 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium, ending the season with 87 points — two points ahead of second-placed MWOS, who earned a narrow 1-0 win over Agama at Ngoni Stadium.
Karoi United, however, quickly responded to the NRSL's ruling with an official appeal. Yesterday, ZIFA confirmed receipt of Karoi United's appeal in a letter addressed to the club's chairperson, Charles Marime. ZIFA chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa outlined the upcoming proceedings, stating, "The Appeals Committee is provisionally scheduled to sit on the 14th of November at 11am. Should you wish to submit any further materials, please do so before the set date. We have also written to the Northern Region requesting the record of proceedings."
In light of ZIFA's protocols, the NRSL proceeded with the final fixtures of the season, as appeals not lodged in a formal court do not suspend a disciplinary committee's ruling. This decision allowed Scottland FC to play their final match, which secured their top position on the Northern Region Soccer League table.
Thursday's hearing will ultimately determine if the initial NRSL decision to award Scottland FC the win and the three points will stand, or if Karoi United's appeal may alter the final standings.
Source - sundaymail
