Five year ban, US$116K fine for PSL referee for match fixing DeMbare tie

HARARE – A Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) assistant referee Kudzanai Hiya was at the weekend handed a five year ban and a hefty fine of US$116,665 for match fixing as well as corruption.

According to a letter by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) referees’ Disciplinary Committee (DC) dated 24 August 2024, Hiya received US$400 bribe from a Dynamos supporter when DeMbare drew 1-1 against Herentals in a match played in Harare recently.

It is alleged that the Glamour Boys’ fan demanded his money back from Hiya.

The fan accused Hiya for failing to manipulate match results as initially agreed upon the bribe, even though the far-aside referee once ruled Herentals’ goal for offside in the 27th minute.

This raised eyebrows and the matter was investigated by the ZIFA referees’ DC with Hiya pleading not guilty.

Investigations suggest Hiya also ruled off DeMbare’s goal for an offside in the 86th minute, much to the disappointment of the club’s fans.

However, the DC assured that it went through a rigorous investigation and Hiya was found guilty hence being slapped with the ban and fined.

Despite pleading not guilty, Hiya was punished: …”During a match between Dynamos FC and Herentals FC at Rufaro Stadium, a Dynamos supporter demanded US$400 from the match officials, alleging it was a bribe.

“It was alleged that Kudzanai Hiya was the culprit behind the bribery incident having been given the money to warrant that Dynamos wins the match.

“This resulted in two goals scored by both teams being flagged offside by the respondent. There was public outcry as a result of these decisions, resulting in pitch invasions and throwing of missiles on the pitch.”

“He (Hiya) accepted the bribe to ensure that Dynamos FC wins the match. The investigation, led by Brighton Mudzamiri, Wilfred Makuna, and Tapfumanei Mutengwa, concluded that the respondent’s conduct in relation to the charges was significant

“The investigation concluded that the respondent was the culprit in the manipulation of a football match which ensued as a result of a bribe he was given by a Dynamos FC supporter, which brought the game of football, Zifa and match officials into disrepute,” the ZIFA referees’ DC wrote.