In a move to crack down on corruption, SAFA have suspended three match officials with immediate effect for soliciting bribes this past weekend.
The three match officials are accused of misconduct during a local SAFA Vhembe League match on Saturday, 11 May 2024. The charges include match-fixing, unethical conduct, and soliciting bribes. The officials were reportedly in action in the game between Vuwani United Sports Academy and Masakona Real Citizens.
WHY SAFA VHEMBE HAS AGAIN SUSPENDED MATCH OFFICIALS?
It is alleged that the match officials approached the owner of Masakona Real Citizens to solicit an R1 800 bribe and, in turn, help them win their match.
The club is currently top of the SAFA Vhembe Men’s Regional League tied with Mashau Pull Together on points. They are on the verge of qualifying for the regional Champ of Champs which will determine which teams go to the provincial playoffs as teams look to gain promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.
But the owner of the club reported the matter to SAFA, a member of CAF. They, in turn, decided to place the trio on suspension until they appeared before a DC.
MOTHERBODY LEFT WITH NO OPTION AS MORE CORRUPT OFFICIALS ARE CAUGHT IN THE ACT
In a letter issued by the regional secretary Sam Matodzi seen by FARPost, the officials are referee Percy Murei and his assistant referees Rivhathihi Malima and Vhuhwavho Mathuli.
“SAFA Vhembe is left with no other option. But to suspend you with immediate effect from officiating or participating in any of our official matches. Pending the Disciplinary hearing on the matter on a date still to be decided,” said SAFA in letters sent out to the officials.
“SAFA Vhembe stands for integrity in soccer, and our clubs should have confidence in the way the league is run. Having clean league competition is our greatest asset. Our soccer matches should not be decided on the gambling market but on the soccer fields. We tackle match-fixing, unethical conduct, and any corrupt activity head-on, by imposing a zero-tolerance policy.”
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