By Nyasha Dube
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has proposed a permanent ban for teams that are implicated in corruption and match-fixing scandals, as a way of improving transparency in Zimbabwean football.
This comes at a time when Herentials FC was found guilty of match-fixing and influencing the outcome of a match they played against Black Rhinos at the National Sports stadium on the 19th of October 2019.
The results of the match were forfeited resulting in the team losing three points and fined $300 000 which is to be paid by 31 January as passed by the Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee yesterday.
The verdict brings an end to Herentials’ short-lived happiness in the Castle Larger PSL as it will see the students who had ended the season on 11th position with 41 points, drop into 15th place with 38 points, and therefore being relegated to Division One.
Speaking to Great Dyke News 24, ZIFA central region spokesperson Stanley Chapeta said the rules governing football must be more stringent to ensure transparency in the sport.
“Football rules are very clear but teams and their officials are failing to adhere to them. The only solution is imposing stiffer penalties,” said Chapeta.
Chapeta also proposed a permanent ban for teams fingered in corruption and match-fixing scandals.
“Fines and few year bans are not helping. Teams will continue being corrupt knowing they will play again,” he said.
