The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Thursday announced the suspension of three match officials whose performances were deemed to have fallen significantly short of the standards expected in top-tier matches.
In a statement, ZIFA confirmed the suspension of referees Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke, and Tichaona Mbire. The statement reads:
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: Referee Zimondi has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Match day 11 to Match day 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.
Referee Meke has also been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Match day 11 to Match day 14 (four weeks). The suspension stems from poor performance during the Scotland vs Herentals match played on 1 May 2025 at Rufaro Stadium.
Referee Mbire has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Match day 11 to Match day 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 they remain firmly 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.
In the past, ZIFA often took disciplinary action against referees behind closed doors, choosing not to make such decisions public out of concern that it could stigmatise or unfairly damage the reputations of the individuals involved.
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