SAFA referee suspended for taking a bribe

A SAFA referee has been suspended for allegedly match-fixing and soliciting a bribe amongst other charges.

The Makhado Local Football Association in Vhembe, Limpopo has placed referee Khodani Munyai on suspension with immediate effect. He is set to appear before the Regions Referee’s Disciplinary Committee.

It is alleged that during an official league match between Local teams [Mudimeli Parma FC and Mutititi United Stars] in April, Munyai demanded a bribe from the Parma officials to rule in their favour.

The matter was reportedly reported to the SAFA hierarchy within the region who have since taken a decision.

SAFA REFEREE SUSPENDED

This is not the first time that SAFA Vhembe has been marred with match-fixing from match officials.

In October last year, Tshianeo Ratshilumela, Mulaudzi Rollet, Mudau Aifheli, Ramulumbi Khuliso, Sinthumule Stephen, Makhomisani Livhuwani and Ngwenya Tsundukani were suspended by the region for unethical conduct and soliciting bribery before and during games.

They approached FIFA and their matter was later overturned.

ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS MATCH-FIXING

“The misconduct includes among others match-fixing, unethical conduct and soliciting bribes before and during our games,” said the Makhado LFA in a statement.

“Our Football matches should not be decided on the gambling market, but on the Football field. It is for this reason that the LFA has decided to tackle match-fixing, unethical conduct. This includes any corrupt activity Head on, by imposing a zero-tolerance policy.

“We have opted for a combined repressive and preventing approach compromising a wide range of actions and measures. We once more make an appeal to all our teams to report any sign of attempted Match-fixing and unethical conduct immediately,” read the statement.

“Officials and referees are therefore discouraged from involving themselves in corrupt activity during our games. He [Khodani Munyai] is suspended until further notice.”

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