Dynamos And Highlanders Face Relegation As ZIFA Overrules PSL
In a stunning and immediate rebuttal, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has forcefully rejected the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) resolution to suspend relegation for the 2025 season. The dramatic football standoff erupted on November 18, 2025, just days before the season’s final matches, throwing the fate of numerous clubs into chaos. ZIFA issued a public statement, directly contradicting the PSL’s announcement and insisting that the fundamental rules of promotion and relegation must stand.
The PSL had earlier that day declared that no teams would be relegated, a move that would have saved legendary clubs like Dynamos and Highlanders, which are at risk of being relegated. ZIFA, however, stated it had taken note of the PSL’s communication and delivered an unequivocal response.
ZIFA Draws A Line In The Sand
The football governing body left no room for interpretation, firmly asserting its authority over the league’s structure. ZIFA’s statement, issued on the evening of November 18, 2025, emphasised the core principles of competitive sport that it believes are non-negotiable. The association made its position perfectly clear.
ZIFA wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this proposal cannot be implemented. Promotion and relegation are fundamental components of football competition and are essential to maintaining the integrity, fairness and sporting merit of the league system.
This direct quote from the ZIFA statement signals a major governance clash. The association confirmed the season will end as originally planned on November 23, 2025, and that the rules already in place will be enforced without exception.
Clubs Plunged Back Into Relegation Agony
ZIFA’s swift rejection has instantly reversed the brief period of relief experienced by several clubs. The PSL’s initial suspension of relegation would have spared at least 10 teams, including Dynamos, Highlanders, and Yadah, all of whom were mathematically in danger. Most dramatically, it would have reinstated Kwekwe United, whose relegation had been confirmed two months prior. Now, those clubs are back in the firing line. A source from one of the clubs facing the drop expressed the whiplash of the sudden reversal.
We were told the pressure was off, that we could plan for next season. Now, with just days to go, ZIFA says four teams will still go down. The players’ mindsets were changing, and now they have to switch back to survival mode instantly. It is a very difficult situation.
The final weekend’s fixtures, which include a Harare derby between Dynamos and FC Platinum, have now regained their life-or-death significance.
A Clash Of Visions For Zimbabwean Football
The public dispute highlights a fundamental disagreement about the future direction of the Premier Soccer League. The PSL’s proposal, which involved expanding to 22 teams for 2026 before reverting to 20 teams in 2027, was framed as a transitional measure to align with “international benchmarks.” ZIFA, however, has insisted that any such changes must follow a formal and proper process. The association outlined the required procedure in its statement.
Should the Premier Soccer League or any other member wish to propose an adjustment to the number of participating teams, or propose any other resolution, such a request must be formally submitted to the Association. In accordance with ZIFA statutes, the proposal will then be tabled for consideration at the next ZIFA Congress.
This sets the stage for a potential power struggle, with the PSL’s club-led vote being overruled by the national association’s statutory authority.
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The post ZIFA Swiftly Rejects PSL’s Plans To Suspend Relegation For This Season, Insists 4 Teams Will Go Down appeared first on iHarare News.
