Zifa to sit over Karoi, Scottland saga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE Football Association’s Appeals Committee will sit on Thursday to deliberate on the case involving Karoi United and Scottland FC.

Karoi United have appealed against a decision by the Northern Region to award Scottland FC a 3-0 win from their abandoned match on September 15.

The match between the two teams was abandoned in the 88th minute, with the scoreline at 1-1 when referee Mathew Dingo was allegedly hit by a missile and failed to continue with his duties.

The Northern Region last week charged Karoi United with causing the abandonment of the game and also awarded Scottland FC three points.

That verdict propelled Scottland FC to the summit of the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL). Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya’s side then beat Black Mambas 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium on Friday to finish the season on top of the log with 87 points, two more than second-placed MWOS, who beat Agama 1-0 at Ngoni Stadium on the same day.

ZIFA acknowledged Karoi United’s appeal yesterday.

In a letter addressed to Karoi United chairperson Charles Marime, ZIFA also advised of the date for the appeal hearing.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to inform you that your matter has been duly noted.

“The Appeals Committee is provisionally scheduled to sit on the 14th of November at 11am,” wrote ZIFA chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa.

“Should you wish to submit any further materials, please do so before the set date. We have also written to the Northern Region requesting the record of proceedings.”

The NRSL, acting on the legality that an appeal, unless lodged in a formal court, does not suspend the ruling of the disciplinary committee, went ahead with Matchday 34 fixtures, during which log leaders Scottland beat Black Mambas 3-1 to finish on top.