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PSL promises tough action against Dembare, FC Platinum
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The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has broken its silence following Sunday's dramatic abandonment of the Castle Lager Premiership clash between Dynamos and FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, triggered by a disputed penalty decision.
The encounter, played on 22 June, ended prematurely in the 74th minute after referee Qedisani Dirwai awarded a controversial penalty to FC Platinum, prompting furious protests and a walk-off by Dynamos players and officials.
In an official statement issued Monday evening, PSL media liaison officer Kudzai Bare confirmed the abandonment and assured stakeholders that the matter is being reviewed in line with league statutes.
"The Premier Soccer League wishes to advise its stakeholders that the Castle Lager PSL match between FC Platinum and Dynamos FC played at Mandava Stadium on Sunday, 22 June 2025, was abandoned," said Bare.
"We await the Match Officials' reports on this matter for determination according to the PSL rules and regulations."
Both clubs have been asked to submit written reports detailing their versions of the events that unfolded, which will aid the league in establishing the facts before making a ruling.
"The PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct that lead to the abandonment of matches, and those found guilty will face the full wrath of the prescribed penalties," Bare said.
She also extended an apology to fans, partners, and other stakeholders affected by the abrupt end to one of the league's most anticipated fixtures, while making it clear that no further comment would be issued until all reports have been received and reviewed.
This is not the first time referee Dirwai has been at the centre of controversy. In another high-profile incident earlier this season, Matchday 13 between Scottland FC and Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium was also abandoned following another late penalty decision by the same official.
The repeated disturbances have intensified calls for greater scrutiny of refereeing standards in Zimbabwe's top-flight league, as concerns mount over the impact of officiating decisions on competition integrity.
PSL disciplinary procedures are now expected to determine the fate of the Mandava clash, including potential sanctions, forfeitures, or replay orders depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The encounter, played on 22 June, ended prematurely in the 74th minute after referee Qedisani Dirwai awarded a controversial penalty to FC Platinum, prompting furious protests and a walk-off by Dynamos players and officials.
In an official statement issued Monday evening, PSL media liaison officer Kudzai Bare confirmed the abandonment and assured stakeholders that the matter is being reviewed in line with league statutes.
"The Premier Soccer League wishes to advise its stakeholders that the Castle Lager PSL match between FC Platinum and Dynamos FC played at Mandava Stadium on Sunday, 22 June 2025, was abandoned," said Bare.
"We await the Match Officials' reports on this matter for determination according to the PSL rules and regulations."
Both clubs have been asked to submit written reports detailing their versions of the events that unfolded, which will aid the league in establishing the facts before making a ruling.
"The PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct that lead to the abandonment of matches, and those found guilty will face the full wrath of the prescribed penalties," Bare said.
She also extended an apology to fans, partners, and other stakeholders affected by the abrupt end to one of the league's most anticipated fixtures, while making it clear that no further comment would be issued until all reports have been received and reviewed.
This is not the first time referee Dirwai has been at the centre of controversy. In another high-profile incident earlier this season, Matchday 13 between Scottland FC and Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium was also abandoned following another late penalty decision by the same official.
The repeated disturbances have intensified calls for greater scrutiny of refereeing standards in Zimbabwe's top-flight league, as concerns mount over the impact of officiating decisions on competition integrity.
PSL disciplinary procedures are now expected to determine the fate of the Mandava clash, including potential sanctions, forfeitures, or replay orders depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Source - The Chronicle
