New code of conduct for Zimbabwean referees on the cards

The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] has revealed plans to craft a strict code of conduct to govern referees who have been fingered as key protagonists in causing the decay of the local game.

ZIFA’s stance follows the recent ban on their former referee’s secretary, Obert Zhoya after he was found guilty of sexually harassing female referees.

The beleaguered Zhoya was slapped with a five-year ban plus a hefty R 350 000 [USD 20 000] fine.

ZIFA PLAN TO IMPROVE REFEREEING…

His case might have been sealed, but the country’s football authorities are not resting until they come up with a strategy to redeem the refereeing standards that have been on a downward spiral in the last two decades.

“The Executive Committee deliberated on the problems bedevilling refereeing in Zimbabwe and resolved to come up with a code of conduct, rules and regulations, and a policy document that will assist in improving the refereeing standards in the country and preserve the sacrosanct values of the beautiful game,” ZIFA said in a statement.

Since the beginning of the current Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, referees have been criticised for dubious officiating.

COACHES FINED!!!

Top coaches, including ex-Chippa United gaffer Norman Mapeza and former national team assistant coach Taurai Mangwiro, were slapped with R 21 000 [USD 1 250] fines each for castigating referees.

On several occasions, they have been accused of taking bribes from individuals and clubs to influence results in the different divisions in the country.

And this decline in refereeing standards in the country has seen Zimbabwean match officials being snubbed for major continental tournaments.

In fact, Zimbabwe has sadly had no match officials present at the African Cup of Nations [AFCON] finals since the 2002 edition that was staged in Mali.

Former top match official Felix Tangawarima and Brighton Mudzamiri, both retired now, were the last to officiate at the prestigious continental tournament.

In the recent past, referees Norman Matemera, Brighton Chimene and Nomore Musundire were top performers in the country, but they have been left out of the major continental tournaments.