ZIFA suspends 3 referees over Dembare goal

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended three match officials following a controversial Premier Soccer League encounter between Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos FC played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 March 2026.

The suspended officials are Nelson Meke, who served as the centre referee, along with assistant referees Mcendesi Maphosa and Taurai Muranganwa.

The referees allegedly disallowed a Dynamos goal at Bulawayo Chiefs, claiming offside from a throw-in.

In a statement, ZIFA said the disciplinary action followed a report from the match commissioner, which found that the officials' performance fell below the expected standard.

"The suspensions follow their performance in the Bulawayo Chiefs versus Dynamos FC match played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 March 2026, which was reported by the Match Commissioner as not meeting the expected standard," the association said.

ZIFA added that the trio had contravened paragraph 21 of the Referees Code of Conduct, underscoring its commitment to upholding professionalism and accountability in local football.

"The officials were found to have contravened paragraph 21 of the Referees Code of Conduct. ZIFA remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, professionalism, and accountability in Zimbabwean football," read part of the statement.

The suspensions mark the first disciplinary action taken against match officials in the current Premier Soccer League season, highlighting the association's intent to enforce strict performance standards in officiating.