ZIFA has suspended five match officials from Premier Soccer League and regional league assignments after finding that their officiating decisions materially affected the outcomes of matches.
The suspensions follow reports submitted by match commissioners and are in line with Article 22 of the Zifa Referees Code of Conduct, which deals with the conduct and performance expected of match officials.
Premier Soccer League assistant referee Phikisani Ndlovu has been suspended for six PSL matches from Matchday 21 to Matchday 26 following his performance during the FC Platinum versus Hunters FC match played at Mandava Stadium on June 27.
In the Northern Region Soccer League, referee Chamunorwa Tapiwa was suspended for six matches, from Matchday 17 to Matchday 22, following the Marere FC versus Zambezi G & C FC match played at Centenary Ground on June 21.
Assistant referee Christian Gumbeze was also suspended for six Northern Region matches arising from the same fixture.
Southern Region Soccer League referee Graduate Mubobo has been banned for six matches from Matchday 16 to Matchday 21 following a match officiated at Chinotimba Stadium on June 24, while assistant referee Praise Mkwevo received an identical suspension arising from the same fixture. The association did not disclose the teams involved in the Chinotimba Stadium match.
"The sanctions relate to incorrect officiating decisions considered to have materially affected the outcomes of the respective matches, in breach of Article 22 of the Zifa Referees Code of Conduct," Zifa said in a statement.
"Zifa remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, integrity and accountability across all competitions under its jurisdiction."
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The latest sanctions are part of Zifa's ongoing efforts to improve officiating standards since the coming in of the Nqobile Magwizi-led executive.
In April this year, the association suspended Premier Soccer League referees Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke and Tichaona Mbire for poor performances in top-flight matches. Zimondi and Meke received four-match bans, while Mbire was suspended for six matches.
The disciplinary action has continued throughout the season. In May, referee Venancio Zulu was suspended for five PSL matchdays following his handling of the Bulawayo Chiefs versus Chicken Inn encounter at Barbourfields Stadium, while assistant referee Muroiwa Wirimai received a six-match suspension arising from the MWOS against Scottland fixture at Ngoni Stadium.
Referee Lloyd Mapanje was also handed a six-match suspension after his performance in the Scottland versus Simba Bhora clash at Rufaro Stadium.
The latest suspensions bring the number of match officials sanctioned by Zifa this season to 11, underlining the association's tougher stance on poor officiating as it seeks to safeguard the integrity and credibility of Zimbabwean football.
