HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended assistant referee Obey Mbengo from officiating Premier Soccer League matches for six months for breaching Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, ZIFA said the decision follows the match commissioner’s report on the CAPS United FC versus Dynamos FC fixture played at Rufaro Stadium on 5 September 2026, which identified an incorrect decision that determined the outcome of the match.
According to ZIFA, this was Mbengo’s second offence of a similar nature, following an earlier incident in a match between TelOne FC and Manica Diamonds FC.
ZIFA said it remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability and high standards of officiating to safeguard the integrity of Zimbabwean football.
The suspension comes amid growing scrutiny over refereeing standards in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with several clubs having raised complaints over decisions that have directly influenced results in crucial fixtures.
The Harare derby between CAPS United and Dynamos on 5 September ended in controversy, with the match commissioner reportedly flagging a decisive offside/goal-line call that altered the outcome. The match ended 1 – 1.
ZIFA’s move is likely to be welcomed as a step toward accountability, though calls continue for more consistent application of sanctions and improved referee training and assessment.
