ZIFA cracks whip on match officials, aims to curb questionable officiating

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) referees committee has suspended three match officials in a move aimed at improving the standard of match officiating in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

Eleven games into the 2025 campaign, there is already an outcry over some questionable decisions made by referees.

The ZIFA Referees Committee has therefore suspended three officials: Tichaona Mbire, Lawrence Zimhondi and Nelson Meke.

“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,” reads a statement by ZIFA.

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

1. 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.

“2. 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.

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

The decision by ZIFA has coincided with debate on which referee should be tasked with handling the eagerly awaited as well as potentially tense fixture between rivals MWOS and Scottland at Ngoni Stadium in two weeks’ time.