Zim GBC News | Sports Correspodent
GWERU – Confusion has gripped the ZIFA Central Region Division One League following the dramatic withdrawal of Sheasham FC, who have cited alleged administrative failures and questionable officiating as the reasons for their exit.
The Gweru-based club, which was sitting in second place and hot on the heels of log leaders Hardrock FC, announced its decision over the weekend. The move affects both its men’s and women’s teams and comes after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Midlands State University (MSU).
At a media briefing on Tuesday, Sheasham FC board chairperson, Mr. Reginald Chidawanyika, laid out the club’s grievances, alleging a complete breakdown of integrity within the league.
“It was clear from the start that the playing environment was not conducive for fair competition,” Chidawanyika stated.
“We witnessed questionable officiating and even incidents of violence from supporters.”
He detailed a particularly serious allegation, claiming,
“In one match, we saw an individual who was not a Grain Tigers official, accessing the referees’ room and making a payment of US$700 to match officials. We reported the matter to ZIFA but never received a response.”
The club asserts that this lack of transparency and action from the football governing body has destroyed any confidence in the league’s fairness.
In response, ZIFA has confirmed receiving Sheasham’s formal notice of withdrawal. However, the association insists that the club remains part of the league competition until the matter is fully resolved through the official disciplinary and procedural channels.
Sheasham’s withdrawal throws the title race into disarray, as they were just a single point behind Hardrock FC. The league leaders themselves made headlines last week after recording a staggering 13-0 victory over Gokwe North.
With Sheasham’s scheduled fixtures now in limbo, the football community awaits decisive action from ZIFA to resolve the growing impasse and address the serious allegations raised.
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