PREMIER Soccer League champions Dynamos have appealed against the $10 000 fine slapped on them by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Disciplinary Board for a one-minute stoppage of their second round, second leg Caf Champions League match against CA Birzetin of Tunisia at Rufaro in April.
Tawanda Tafirenyika
Dynamos beat the Tuesday deadline to appeal after writing to the continental soccer mother body appealing against the fine.
Dynamos secretary Chris Kasiyazi could not be reached for comment yesterday, but chairman Keni Mubaiwa said the Glamour Boys appealed against the ban on Tuesday — just before the expiry of the deadline of notification of the decision, a requirement by Caf statutes.
According to Caf rules and regulations, the party intending to appeal shall announce their intention in writing within three days of notification of the decision. If the last day of the time limit coincides with a public holiday in the country of residence, the time limit will expire the next day which is not a public holiday.
Reasons for the appeal shall be given in writing within a further time limit of even days commencing upon expiry of the first time limit of the three days. The decision becomes final at the expiry of the appeal deadline.
Caf had written to Zifa informing them of their decision to hit Dynamos with a fine. “The Caf Disciplinary Board has decided to impose a financial sanction of US$10 000 upon your club Dynamos for the unsporting and regrettable behaviour of its supporters.” reads part of the letter.
The continental soccer body reminded Zifa and Dynamos that the host association or club is responsible for the order and security both inside and around the stadium during and after the match and that it is liable for incidents of any kind and can be rendered subject to disciplinary measures. And Dynamos were quick to write to Caf, appealing against the ban.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The champions argued that it was not a serious issue as the match was stopped just for a minute and that the objects thrown onto the pitch were not dangerous as they were merely water bottles.
They felt the fine was too harsh considering that the match resumed without any incidents after the temporary one-minute stoppage.
Dynamos won the match 1-0, but bowed out 3-1 on aggregate to the Tunisian side, leading frustrated fans to throw plastic bottles onto the pitch as they accused South African assistant referee Lindikhaya Bolo of bias.
