Zifa suspends referee over Dynamos vs CAPS United match
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended referee Owen Manenda following what it called a “critical officiating error” during the high-stakes Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash between Dynamos and CAPS United on 18 May 2025.
“It was established that a critical officiating error significantly influenced the outcome of the game,” ZIFA said in a statement released by its Media and Communications department.
Referee benched for six games
The decision comes after a review of the match played at Rufaro Stadium, where tensions ran high and fans were left fuming over controversial calls.
“This conclusion was based on the match commissioner’s report, which highlighted a decision made by the official that contravened the expected standards of performance in top-flight football,” ZIFA said.
Referee Owen Manenda has now been suspended from officiating in top-tier matches from Matchday 13 to Matchday 18, effectively sidelining him for six Premier League games.
ZIFA acted under Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct, which deals with the professional standards expected of match officials.
ZIFA says it’s about accountability
The football body said the move was in line with its push to raise refereeing standards and restore public confidence in the game.
“In line with Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct, and in pursuit of upholding integrity and accountability within the game, Owen Manenda has been suspended,” the statement read.
Fans on social media had raised alarms after the match, with some claiming the result had been “robbed” by poor officiating.
While ZIFA did not disclose the specific incident, multiple unconfirmed reports from the match suggest a disputed penalty decision may have tipped the scales in favour of one team.
ZIFA vows transparency going forward
ZIFA promised further action to ensure fairness in future matches.
“ZIFA reiterates its commitment to fair play, transparency, and the continuous improvement of officiating standards across all levels of the game,” it said.
The suspension adds new heat to the Harare Derby fallout, which continues to dominate football talk shows and fan forums
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