BREAKING: ERSL suspends referee in crackdown on poor officiating
The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League has joined the national push to clean up match officiating, suspending centre referee Simpson Marezu for six weeks following controversial calls in the Green Fuel FC vs Bikita Chida Athletic Club clash on 11 May 2026.
The league confirmed the suspension in a press release , acting on the recommendation of the regional referees committee.
Marezu will not officiate any PSERSL matches from Match Day 11 through Match Day 16 of the 2026 season.
According to a leaked match commissioner’s report, Marezu failed to award a clear penalty to Bikita Chida Athletic Club during the game at Greenfuel Arena.
He also waved play on when Green Fuel FC appealed for a penalty, decisions that were deemed a breach of the Referees Code of Conduct.
The league was clear on the reason for the ban. “The suspension arises from a breach of the Referees Code of Conduct relating to the interpretation, application and implementation of the Laws of the Game,” the press statement stated.
PSERSL framed the decision as part of a wider commitment to standards in the region. “PSERSL remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity and high officiating standards in all matches,” the statement added.
Regional Administrator Fungai Munyoro-Chingaira signed off the statement, reinforcing that the move was about accountability. “The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League wishes to inform clubs, stakeholders, supporters and the football fraternity that Centre Referee Simpson Marezu has been suspended from officiating league matches for six weeks,” she said.
The move comes as poor officiating has dominated headlines across Zimbabwean football in recent weeks, with clubs and fans growing increasingly vocal about inconsistent standards.
PSERSL’s action signals that the Eastern Region is no longer willing to let errors slide.
The decision is likely to be welcomed by clubs and supporters who have called for accountability.
It also places PSERSL alongside other regions taking a harder line on refereeing performance as the 2026 season intensifies.
