Zifa Suspends 3 Referees After Shocking Blunders In PSL Matches
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended three match officials after what it called “shocking” performances during recent Premier League fixtures. The decision, announced on 01 July 2025, targets referees Lloyd Mapanje, Grace Gimo, and assistant referee Claris Simango.
All three have been benched for multiple matchdays following poor showings in high-profile Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches played in June 2025.
“Disciplinary measures have been taken against three match officials following assessments of their recent performances,”
said ZIFA in a statement issued by its Media & Communications Department.
Dynamos vs Yadah triggers double suspension
Referee Lloyd Mapanje and assistant referee Claris Simango were both sanctioned for their performance in the Dynamos vs Yadah match at Rufaro Stadium on 19 June 2025.
“Referee Lloyd Mapanje [is] suspended from officiating Premier League matches from matchday 17 to matchday 20. This follows his performance… which was reported by the Match Commissioner as not meeting the expected standard,”
ZIFA stated.
Assistant referee Claris Simango was found to have also underperformed in the same match.
“Her performance… was assessed as not meeting the expected level of officiating,”
added ZIFA.
Below-par officiating in Green Fuel vs TelOne
Referee Grace Gimo was suspended from matchday 16 to matchday 19 after overseeing the match between Green Fuel and TelOne at Green Fuel Arena on 14 June 2025.
“Her performance… was found to be below the required standard,”
said ZIFA.
All three referees were suspended under paragraph 21 of the Referees Code of Conduct.
ZIFA says integrity and training are key
The football association said the move was necessary to protect the integrity of the league and to ensure officials are held to a high standard.
“ZIFA emphasises the critical role that match officials play in maintaining the credibility of the game,”
the statement read.
ZIFA further noted that it would continue offering training, evaluation, and mentoring programmes to improve the performance of its referees.
“The Association remains committed to ensuring accountability while providing continuous support and development opportunities,”
it concluded.
While these suspensions come just days after controversy rocked other top-flight matches, including the FC Platinum vs Dynamos clash on 22 June 2025, ZIFA did not connect the July 1 suspensions to that incident.
Still, fans continue to flood social media with complaints over recent refereeing decisions — especially in matches involving big clubs like Dynamos and CAPS United.
ZIFA’s latest action signals that mistakes will not be ignored.
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The post ZIFA Shows 3 Referees The Red Card: Suspends Officials After ‘Shocking’ Blunders appeared first on iHarare News.
