SAFA suspend referees and clubs for match-fixing

The South African Football Association (SAFA) Vhembe region in Limpopo has suspended referees, clubs and a match official after allegations of misconduct.

The allegations include amongst others match-fixing, unethical conduct and soliciting bribery before and during games.

The match officials are both from the LFA Leagues as well as the ABC Motsepe League in the province.

They are Mphuma Dion, Tshianeo Ratshilumela, Mulaudzi Rollet, Mudau Aifheli, Ramulumbi Khuliso , Sinthumule Stephen, Makhomisani Livhuwani, Ngwenya Tsundukani.

The clubs implicated are Tshikhwani Stone Breakers, Phylimak Football Club and Muchipisi Happy Fighters who play within the SAFA Vhembe Leagues.

Raymond Chauke of Municipisi Happy Fighters is the club official suspended.

SAFA TAKES ACTION

“In a statement released by regional secretary Sam Matodzi on Tuesday, SAFA Vhembe said: “We stand for integrity in football, for a Football Association, Soccer loving people can trust,”

“Having clean competition is our greatest asset.

“Our football matches should not be decided on the gambling market, but on the football fields.

“It is for this reason that SAFA Vhembe has decided to tackle match-fixing, unethical conduct and or any corrupt activity head-on, by imposing a zero-tolerance policy.

“We have opted for a combined repressive and preventive approach consisting of a wide range of actions and measures,” read the statement.

“We once more make an appeal to all our teams to report any sign of attempted match fixing and unethical conduct by our referees immediately and therefore, discourage any club official and referee from involving themselves in corrupt activities during our games.”

REFEREES SHENANIGANS

Match-fixing shenanigans are rife in the ABC Motsepe League and other SAFA lower leagues specifically in the Limpopo province.

In 2018 owner of Ndengeza FC Akani Siweya was expelled from football after physically attacking a referee whom he accused of taking a bribe from an opposition club.

He was later reinstated but sold his status.

Last season, Phinnet City owner Makgaba Letsoalo stormed inside the pitch and ordered his players to leave the field in the middle of an ABC Motsepe League match.

Letsoalo had accused match referees of taking bribes as well.