Game On Reporter
THE world governing body FIFA is closely watching events in Zimbabwe where alleged match fixing and dubious boardroom judgements have rocked the country’s second tier division.
Since Zimbabwean football administration is under a Normalization Committee, FIFA are obliged to follow closely events in the Southern African nation.
In return, the Normalization Committee also consistently updates the world governing on almost every development in the local game.
That is why FIFA are now aware of a raging case involving Northern Region Soccer League teams Karoi United and Scottland FC.
Karoi United have appealed to ZIFA against a verdict passed by the Northern Region which favoured Scottland FC.
Scottland FC were controversially awarded three points and a 3-0 score line by the Northern Region, after their match against Karoi United was abandoned in the 88th minute with the scores at 1-1, when referee Mathew Dingo claimed he could not continue with his duties.
The controversial Dingo was allegedly hit by a missile from an unidentified supporter.
The game was played on September 15 but the Northern Region only delivered the verdict on the eve of the last match of the season.
Resultantly, Scottland FC who have also been accused of match fixing, replaced MWOS at the top of the NRSL log standings, with a two-point cushion.
Scottland FC went on to beat Black Mambas 3-1 in the final match of the season to clinch the NRSL championship.
However, their celebrations were muted after Karoi United’s appeal was acknowledged by ZIFA.
A ZIFA insider revealed that FIFA have also been made aware of the case.
“FIFA may not be actively involved in what is happening, but they are aware of the situation on the ground as we brief them of any football developments,” said the source.
“They (FIFA) closely monitor what is happening on the local scene.
“We brief them regularly on the developments that are happening in the country.”
