Zimbabwe: More referees suspended

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is proving to be an exception as far as transparency is concerned in holding referees accountable for their performance.

Two weeks after suspending referees for four consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches, the association has cracked the whip again.

ZIFA Suspends Match Official Kalota Patrick for Six Matches. pic.twitter.com/mgw9duEE99

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) April 22, 2026

The association confirmed the punishment of centre referee Kalota Patrick via statement released on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026.

“ZIFA announces the suspension of match officials Kalota Patrick from officiating Premier League matches for six weeks, with the suspension covering matchday 7 to 12,” reads the statement.

“The decision follows a report from the match commissioner relating to the Premier Soccer League fixture between Highlanders and FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium on 4th April 2026. According to the report, the match officials made an incorrect decision which determined the outcome of the match.”

The game in question ended goalless with Boss or Highlanders remaining winless in seven league matches under the reign of Premier League legend Benjani Mwaruwari.

Zimbabwe FA justifies referee’s punishment

The association justified the suspension saying it was in tandem with article 22 of Referees Code of Conduct.

Summing up the punishment, ZIFA says it “remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.”

More referees penalised in Zimbabwe

Earlier in April, ZIFA suspended referee Nelson Meke, his assistants Taurai Muranganwa and Mncedisi Maphosa from officiating the league’s four consecutive matches.

According to ZIFA, the trio failed to execute their duties effectively during the Castle Lager PSL encounter between Bulawayo Chiefs and FC Dynamos on March 19.

In February 2026, ZIFA hosted an Elite Referees Pre-Season Workshop in Bulawayo to prepare the whistle men for the Castle Lager PSL campaign.

In most countries, football authorities punish referees discreetly, leading to a lack of information on whether justice is done on misbehaving whistle men.