The Zimbabwe Football Association has suspended three match officials as part of efforts to address concerns over refereeing standards in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League during the 2026 season.
The disciplinary action follows growing complaints from clubs and supporters regarding controversial decisions that have affected recent league fixtures, placing increased pressure on football authorities to strengthen accountability among referees.
In a statement, ZIFA confirmed that referees Lloyd Mapanje and Venancio Zulu, together with assistant referee Muroiwa Wirimai, were barred from officiating PSL matches after performances deemed to have fallen below the required professional standards.
Zulu received a five-match suspension running from Matchday 10 to Matchday 14 following his handling of the Bulawayo Chiefs versus Chicken Inn match played at Barbourfields Stadium on April 25, 2026.
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Wirimai was handed a six-match ban covering Matchday 10 to Matchday 15 after officiating duties in the MWOS FC against Scotland FC encounter held at Ngoni Stadium on the same date.
Mapanje, who has previously faced criticism over match decisions, was suspended for six matchdays from Matchday 11 to Matchday 16 following his performance during the Scotland FC versus Simba Bhora fixture at Rufaro Stadium on May 3, 2026.
ZIFA said the sanctions were imposed after the officials were found to have breached provisions of the Referees Code of Conduct, particularly relating to the interpretation, application and implementation of the Laws of the Game.
“The association remains committed to professionalism, accountability and integrity in Zimbabwean football,” ZIFA said, adding that disciplinary measures are necessary to restore public confidence in officiating.
The 2026 PSL season has already seen several referees disciplined as ZIFA intensifies oversight of match officiating.
Other officials, including Kalota Patrick and Toddy Matenga, have also faced sanctions earlier in the campaign following disputed decisions that reportedly influenced match outcomes.
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