ZIFA Suspends Two Match Officials For Six Games Over Highlanders-Chicken Inn Match

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended two match officials following a controversial decision during the Highlanders and Chicken Inn clash.

Referee Ronald Chinyani and assistant referee Oscar Bumhe have both been barred from officiating Premier Soccer League matches for six games.

Their suspensions cover Matchdays 28 to 33.

Also Read: ZIFA Suspends Two PSL Referees For Six Matchdays

Officials punished after Barbourfields clash

The disciplinary action follows a match commissioner’s report from the Highlanders FC versus Chicken Inn FC fixture.

The match was played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 August 2026.

According to ZIFA, an incorrect officiating decision was found to have influenced the outcome of the match.

The association subsequently took action against the two officials.

Suspensions take immediate effect

Chinyani and Bumhe will sit out six Premier Soccer League matchdays as a result of the sanctions.

ZIFA said the decision was made in line with Article 22 of its Referees Code of Conduct.

The provision allows the football governing body to take action against match officials when their conduct or decisions fall short of the required standards.

ZIFA stresses accountability

The latest action comes as ZIFA seeks to reinforce standards among match officials in domestic football.

The association said it remains committed to ensuring that refereeing meets expected standards across the game.

“ZIFA remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, accountability and integrity across the game,” the association said.

The suspensions underline the governing body’s position that match officials can be held accountable when serious errors affect the outcome of matches.

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