ZIFA finally publishes suspensions of PSL referees, three sidelined for poor officiating

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the suspension of three Premier Soccer League (PSL) referees namely, Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke and Tichaona Mbire for poor officiating.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ZIFA said Zimondi and Meke will both serve four weeks suspension while Mbire will be sidelined for six weeks.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform stakeholders. and the general public of the suspension of three match officials due to performances. that fell significantly short of the standards expected in top-tier matches.

“Following a thorough review and assessment by the ZIFA Referees Committee, the following decisions have been taken:

“Lawrence Zimondi – Referee Zimondi has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 11 to Matchday 14 (four weeks).

“This decision follows substandard officiating in two matches: Highlanders vs CAPS United on 13 April 2025 at Barbourfields Stadium Ngezi Platinum vs Yadah on 30 April 2025 at Baobab Stadium

“Nelson Meke – Referee Meke has also been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 11 to Matchday 1 (four weeks). The suspension stems from poor performance during the Scotland vs Herentals match played on 1 May 2025 at Rufaro Stadium.

“Tichaona Mbire -Referee Mbire has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 11 to Matchday 16 (six weeks). This action follows an unsatisfactory performance in the MWOS vs Manica Diamonds fixture held on 1 May 2025 at Ngoni Stadium.”

ZIFA said it “remains committed to upholding the integrity and credibility of the game. All match officials are expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, consistency, and competence. Corrective action will be taken wherever standards are not met.”

Publicising the suspension of match officials is a step in the right direction, as it could help restore integrity in Zimbabwean football amid allegations that some referees have been accepting bribes to influence match outcomes.