OnSport Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the suspension of three match officials following below-par performances during Premier League fixtures.
This move, effective immediately, comes after recent assessments of the referees. performances.
Referee, Lloyd Mapanje has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 17 to Matchday 20.
This disciplinary action stems from his performance during the Dynamos versus Yadah match at Rufaro Stadium on June 19, 2025, which the Match Commissioner reported as not meeting the expected standard.
Also facing suspension is Referee Grace Gimo, who is barred from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 16 to Matchday 19. Her suspension follows her performance during the Green Fuel versus TelOne match at Green Fuel Arena on June 14, 2025, which was deemed to be below the required standard.
Assistant Referee Claris Simango has also been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 17 to Matchday 20. Her suspension is a result of her performance during the Dynamos versus Yadah match on June 19, 2025, which the Match Commissioner assessed as not meeting the expected level of officiating.
These suspensions are in line with paragraph 21 of the Referees Code of Conduct. ZIFA emphasized the critical role match officials play in maintaining the credibility of the game and reiterated its expectation for all referees and assistant referees to consistently demonstrate fairness, competence, and professionalism.
The Association affirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability while simultaneously providing continuous support and development opportunities for its referees through ongoing training, evaluation, and mentoring programmes.
While this recent announcement highlights ZIFA’s ongoing efforts to curb poor officiating, it is not the first time the association has taken such stern measures. In previous instances, ZIFA has suspended referees for various infringements, including questionable decision-making and failing to adhere to the laws of the game.
