The decision was taken at the Zifa Board meeting on Friday night where the contentious Asiagate report was also formally presented to the board members, who asked for time to go through the thick volume report.
The board meeting resolved that they would meet on September 9 when their final position on the matter would be tabled.
The Asiagate fingered 51 players as “passive participants” in matches which the Warriors were paid to throw away in Asia. Five players were listed as “active participants” in match-fixing.
Twenty four players, among them high-profile ones such as Thomas Sweswe, Edward Sadomba and Method Mwanjali are listed as “hyperactive participants”. Four administrators and a journalist are listed as “hyperactive participants”.
The Zifa Board resolved that Asiagate “will not be swept under the carpet” and will make the final decision after going through the report.
Jonathan Mashingaidze, the Zifa chief executive officer told Standardsport that the board had asked for time to go through the “big report” before the September 9 meeting to deal with the matter.
The Zifa Board also resolved that the Warriors’ Nations Cup against the Lone Star of Liberia match on September 4 would be played at the National Sports Stadium due to “security reasons”. The Warriors’ last match against Mali was played at Rufaro.
“The Confederation of African Football had raised the red flag about the Warriors’ Nations Cup match being played at Rufaro and the Zifa Board resolved that the Liberia match would be at the National Sports Stadium,” Mashingaidze said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The board was concerned that there was a disaster waiting to happen at Rufaro and decided to switch the venue. The National Sports Stadium is spacious and the police can control the crowds. Big crowds are also expected at the Warriors match, as it is a do or die match. The board said they wanted to avoid a stampede at Rufaro.”
However, the embattled association, which is struggling to keep afloat and pay the Warriors allowances and bonuses, took the hard decision to hike the gate charges. The rest of the ground was pegged at US$5 from US$3 while the VVIP will be going for US$100, up from US$30. The VIP bays have been pegged at US$50, up from US$20.
