The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has implored law enforcement agents to clamp down on players and officials who engage in money games in violation of the COVID-19 national lockdown restrictions.
ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela on Tuesday said police should identify the “criminals” participating in football activity take “stern action” against them. Said Gwesela:
Football celebrates the ethos of respect for rules and we find it extremely criminal to break lockdown rules.
We encourage the police to identify the perpetrators (who are) abusing football by breaking lockdown rules and bring them to book.
ZIFA will also take stern action against those participating in any football activity during the lockdown. COVID-19 is real.
Reports indicate that a number of players contracted to Division One and Premier Soccer League clubs have, in the past few weeks, been seen engaging in money games, especially in Harare’s high-density suburbs.