BY ONSPORT REPORTER
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has come out strongly against the abuse of match officials, emanating from recent incidents observed during some matches in the country.
Zifa says match officials are entrusted to uphold the laws of the game and as such need to be respected and protected.
“Recent incidents have brought to the fore the urgent need to re-emphasise these values. Football is a powerful tool for unity, inspiration and national pride. It is incumbent upon every participant and stakeholder to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the spirit of the game. Zifa reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on all forms of verbal or physical abuse, particularly towards match officials. They are entrusted with upholding the laws of the game and must be afforded the respect and protection their role demands,” Zifa said.
Speaking of the values aligned to the game of football, the national football governing body said: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) wishes to remind all stakeholders across the football fraternity – players, coaches, club officials, supporters, and the general public – of the fundamental values that underpin our beautiful game: sportsmanship, mutual respect, and the preservation of dignity for all involved.”
The statement added: “Disagreement with officiating decisions must never be used as justification for unruly conduct. Let it be clearly understood: Zifa will not hesitate to allow the full weight of the law to take its course against those who are found in breach of acceptable conduct. Acts of misconduct will attract appropriate sanctions, as guided by the laws of the game and the regulatory frameworks of the association.
We call upon all clubs, supporters’ groups, and community leaders to play their part in promoting a safe, respectful and professional football environment. Let us uphold the integrity of Zimbabwean football by safeguarding the well-being of all who make the game possible”.
But Zifa has not watched with folded arms of inept match officials as they recently suspended top flight referees Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke and Tichaona Mbire for misdeamours carried out in the recent past.
Zimondi was suspended for four four weeks for bad officiating in two matches pitting Highlanders and Caps United at Barbourfields Stadium and the Ngezi Platinum Stars and Yadah match at Baobab.
Both games were played in April. Featuring Scottland and Herentals early this month at Rufaro.
Meke was also censured for four weeks for poor performance regarding the game featuring Scottland and Herentals early this month at Rufaro Stadium.
Mbire was handed a six-weeks suspension for his poor performance in a game pitting log leaders MWOS and Manica Diamonds at Ngoni Stadium in Norton, also early in the month.
Last week, a match between Scottland and Chicken Inn was abandoned after the former was awarded a penalty by referee Quedsen Dirwai as the GameCocks walked off the pitch in protest.
The Premier Soccer League is deliberating on the incident.
