ZIFA Launches Inquiry Into Sheasham’s Withdrawal From Central Region League

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate Sheasham Football Club’s withdrawal from the Central Region Division One League amid concerns over officiating and administrative irregularities.

In a statement issued on Friday, 17 October 2025, ZIFA’s Communications & Media Office said the decision follows resolutions from the ZIFA Executive Committee meeting held on 9 October, acting on recommendations from the ZIFA Legal and Player Status Committee convened on 8 October.

Acting under Article 55 of the ZIFA Statutes, the Commission has been tasked with establishing the facts, assessing procedural compliance, and recommending measures to strengthen fairness, integrity, and transparency within league management.

The inquiry will specifically investigate the circumstances surrounding Sheasham’s withdrawal, including any complaints lodged by the club, and determine whether it exhausted all internal remedies available under the ZIFA Statutes and ZCRSL regulations before taking the decision to withdraw.

The Commission will also assess how the ZCRSL responded to any complaints submitted by Sheasham.

The Commission comprises Ringisai Kudzanai Hillario Mapondera, serving as Chairperson and Legal and Governance Expert; Jabulani Mpofu, Athletic Director at Lupane State University; Morelet S. Mathema, Vice President (Technical & Development) of the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association; and former referee Andrew Pamire.

The Commission has been instructed to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the ZIFA Executive Committee within seven working days from the date of appointment.

ZIFA emphasised that the inquiry is intended as a corrective and reformative measure to restore trust, integrity, and accountability in football administration.

All stakeholders have been urged to cooperate fully with the inquiry to ensure a transparent and constructive outcome.

Early this month, Sheasham withdrew from ZCRSL, citing serious concerns about the integrity and fairness of the competition.

The club accused the league of creating an uneven playing field, a decision that came shortly after a 3–2 defeat to Midlands State University (MSU), which Sheasham suggested was influenced by unfair officiating.

Following the loss, both the men’s and women’s teams withdrew from their respective leagues, prompting action from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

After ZIFA’s Executive Committee convened in Harare and established a special inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances behind Sheasham’s exit, the club announced it was returning to the ZCRSL and Sheasham Gweru Queens to the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL).