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Zifa suspends two match officials after Highlanders-Chicken Inn clash
2 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has suspended referee Ronald Chinyani and assistant referee Oscar Bumhe from officiating in Premier Soccer League matches for six matches following an incident during the Highlanders-Chicken Inn derby at Barbourfields Stadium on August 19.
The two officials will miss Matchdays 28 to 33 as part of disciplinary action taken by the national football governing body.
The sanctions follow a report submitted by the match commissioner after an incorrect decision during the Bulawayo derby was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the match.
Zifa said the disciplinary action was taken in accordance with Article 22 of the Zifa Referees Code of Conduct, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and high standards of officiating.
"The sanctions follow the match commissioner's report from the Highlanders FC versus Chicken Inn FC fixture played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 August 2026, in which an incorrect decision was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the match," Zifa said in a statement.
"The action has been taken in accordance with Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct," the association added.
The suspension comes as the PSL enters a crucial stage of the season, with clubs battling for the championship, continental football qualification and survival.
The Highlanders-Chicken Inn encounter was another fiercely contested Bulawayo derby, attracting significant attention from supporters.
Zifa said it remained committed to improving the standard of refereeing and ensuring that match officials were held accountable for decisions that affect the outcome of matches.
"Zifa remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, accountability and integrity across the game," the association said.
The suspensions are likely to reignite debate over refereeing standards in Zimbabwean football, particularly as clubs enter the decisive phase of the campaign.
For the two officials, however, the decision means sitting out six PSL matchdays at a critical point in the season.
The two officials will miss Matchdays 28 to 33 as part of disciplinary action taken by the national football governing body.
The sanctions follow a report submitted by the match commissioner after an incorrect decision during the Bulawayo derby was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the match.
Zifa said the disciplinary action was taken in accordance with Article 22 of the Zifa Referees Code of Conduct, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and high standards of officiating.
"The sanctions follow the match commissioner's report from the Highlanders FC versus Chicken Inn FC fixture played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 August 2026, in which an incorrect decision was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the match," Zifa said in a statement.
"The action has been taken in accordance with Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct," the association added.
The suspension comes as the PSL enters a crucial stage of the season, with clubs battling for the championship, continental football qualification and survival.
The Highlanders-Chicken Inn encounter was another fiercely contested Bulawayo derby, attracting significant attention from supporters.
Zifa said it remained committed to improving the standard of refereeing and ensuring that match officials were held accountable for decisions that affect the outcome of matches.
"Zifa remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, accountability and integrity across the game," the association said.
The suspensions are likely to reignite debate over refereeing standards in Zimbabwean football, particularly as clubs enter the decisive phase of the campaign.
For the two officials, however, the decision means sitting out six PSL matchdays at a critical point in the season.
Source - BMetro
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