The long-awaited judgment in the case of the abandoned match between Karoi United and Scottland in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League will be released this Wednesday.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200034281/scottland-learn-fate-as-long-wait-for-judgment-over">NewsDay</a>, the delivery of the verdict was postponed due to several issues, primarily the unavailability of Karoi United’s lawyer before the hearing.
After the hearing, delays occurred as all parties needed to be present for the announcement of the Disciplinary Committee’s determination, with lawyers insisting on their presence.
The judgment could significantly impact the league title race, as Scottland is in close competition with log leaders MWOS FC for promotion to the top flight.
The two teams are separated by just one point, and a favourable ruling for Scottland could elevate them to the top of the standings before the season’s final matches.
The match was abandoned while tied at 1-1, with referee Mathew Dingo claiming he was struck by an object thrown by a fan, preventing him from continuing the game with eight minutes remaining.
According to league rules, if a match is abandoned due to actions by a team’s players, officials, or fans, the other team is awarded a 3-0 victory.
Karoi United has not denied that a fan struck the referee but contends that he was hit by the match ball, not a foreign object as alleged.
The match was played on September 15, and the hearing was conducted last month.
Match commissioner Kanzvimbo Kanzvimbo reported that match officials were consistently threatened with violence throughout the game. Part of Kanzvimbo’s report reads:
<blockquote>
Karoi United goalkeeper (Monze) started feigning injuries, delaying the restart of play. He was verbally warned several times and at 82 minutes, the referee (Dingo) went to caution him for a similar offence (and) during that process, Karoi United supporters who were behind the goals threw missiles at him and he fell. Police and medical teams entered the field of play to assist him.
The referees had to go to the changing rooms for safety and further treatment. Karoi United fans advanced and surrounded the changing room demanding that they be released.
I was sprinkled with unknown liquid substances as I moved in and out of changing rooms to check on the safety of players.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The judgment for the abandoned match between Karoi United and Scottland will be given this Wednesday. The match was stopped because the referee was hit by something thrown by a fan. If Scottland wins the case, they may move to the top of the league. Karoi United says the referee was hit by the ball, not something else. The match was played in September, and there were reports of violence and threats during the game. The decision will be important for the league title race.

Verdict On Karoi United Vs Scottland Abandoned Match Imminent

Scottland F.C., owned by gold dealer and Mabvuku-Tafara MP Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya (ZANU PF), has been embroiled in a match-fixing scandal following its recent 7-0 victory against Norton Community F.C. in the Northern Region Soccer League.
Scottland is vying for the sole ticket to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) alongside MWOS F.C.
In the wake of the 7-0 defeat, Norton Community FC announced investigations into potential match-fixing by some players and executive members.
The club has suspended Clemence Masunda, Willard Nguwoyembwa, goalkeeper Brandon Bere, executive member Tafadzwa Kuyerukana, and executive member Patrick Nyamayaro.
In another development, is alleged that two football legends, purportedly on behalf of Scottland, approached some MWOS FC players to influence the outcomes of their matches.
A source close to MWOS FC revealed these details to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/theindependent/sport/article/200033538/match-fixing-fears-overshadow-thrilling-northern-region-soccer-league-race">The Zimbabwe Independent</a>. Said the source:
<blockquote>
There are some players who have been approached by at least two football legends, who urged them to throw away games and their life would be sorted out, but the players refused and reported the matter to their technical coaches.
Now, MWOS coaches educate their players on the consequences of throwing away games especially before and after training sessions.
The coaches now announce the line-up on the matchday in order to avoid any infiltrations, no player is guaranteed a regular position.
MWOS has three goalkeepers and among them, no one is guaranteed to be in the team. They now select the goalkeeper depending on the week’s training session.
</blockquote>
However, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa maintained that all was well in his camp and he players remained focused and committed to their goals. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
All is well in the club. We are treating every game as it comes and we take them as cup games. Our morale is high. We believe in ourselves that we can cross the line and get promoted.
I would also like to applaud the players for putting the club first ahead of anything. They showed love and care to their club and they will fight to the end.
</blockquote>
Speaking ahead of Friday’s decisive 7-0 victory over Norton Community FC at Rufaro Stadium, Scottland FC coach Genesis Mangombe dismissed the allegations of match-fixing. He said:
<blockquote>
I would not want to comment about match-fixing because I am just a coach, but you see the biggest problem is that our club is well sponsored. So when some people see things going well they tend to think something fishy is taking place.
We are playing good football and the players are ready for any challenge.
</blockquote>
ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League chairman Martin Kweza said that his office has not received any formal complaints regarding allegations of match-fixing.
He added that they do not act on rumours and will only investigate and address the issue if official complaints are made.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Scottland F.C., owned by Pedzai Sakupwanya, faced match-fixing allegations after winning 7-0 in the Northern Region Soccer League. Norton Community F.C. is investigating players and officials. MWOS F.C. players were approached by football legends to fix matches, but they refused. MWOS coaches warn players about match-fixing consequences. MWOS coach Mutasa is confident in his team. Scottland F.C. coach denied match-fixing claims. League chairman Martin Kweza said no official complaints received yet. Teams continue to compete for promotion.

Scottland Football Club Latest News

Latest Jobs