Zimbabwean referees’ child dies during FIFA seminar

A Zimbabwean female referee’s infant child died on Wednesday on the sidelines of a FIFA-sanctioned referees’ seminar.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed via a statement that the referee has been attending the seminar accompanied by her two children in Harare. The course started on Sunday.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association regrets to inform the football family and the nation of a tragic incident that occurred today during a referees’ training seminar,” ZIFA’s statement reads.

“One of the female participants, who had attended with her two children, suffered the sudden and unexpected loss of her infant child during the course of the day. Despite immediate efforts to render assistance, the child sadly passed away.

“The matter has been referred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who are now handling the case in accordance with the law. ZIFA is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and is extending support to the bereaved mother during this extremely difficult time.

“As an association, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and respectfully ask that their privacy be observed. Further updates, if necessary, will be issued through official ZIFA channels.”

ZIFA vice-president Loveness Mukura opened the five-day FIFA MA Referees Course in Harare under the guidance of FIFA Instructor Felix Tangawarima and FIFA Physical Instructor Nasreddine Cherifi (Algeria).