Sports Correspondent
Karoi United has filed an appeal against the Northern Region Soccer League’s (NRSL) ruling on their controversial abandoned match against Scottland. The game, played at Chikangwe Stadium on September 15, ended prematurely in the 88th minute with the score tied at 1-1 after referee Martin Dingo was struck by an object, leading to the abandonment of the match.
The NRSL disciplinary committee ruled that Karoi United was responsible for the abandonment and awarded Scottland three points, with a 3-0 scoreline as per the league’s regulations. Scottland, who are in the midst of a title chase, were handed the points, potentially moving them closer to securing the championship.
However, Karoi United has vehemently denied the committee’s findings, claiming that the referee was struck not by a foreign object, but by the match ball itself. The club argues that the circumstances surrounding the incident do not warrant the abandonment or the punishment imposed. In a bid to overturn the decision, Karoi United has now lodged an official appeal, submitting a US$5000 appeal fee to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to initiate the process.
With the paperwork in place, ZIFA will schedule a hearing to review the appeal, which could have significant implications for the league’s title race. Should the appeal succeed, the match could be rescheduled or the result altered, meaning Scottland’s current standing as potential champions would be put on hold. This uncertainty also extends to Scottland’s final match of the season, where they face Black Mambas. Even with a victory in that fixture, they could still be denied the championship if the appeal is successful.
The ruling on the abandoned match has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether Karoi United was unfairly penalized, while others argue that the NRSL was right in upholding the integrity of the competition. In any case, the appeal has added an unexpected twist to the Northern Region Soccer League’s season as it heads toward its conclusion.
As the case moves forward, both Karoi United and Scottland will be anxiously awaiting the outcome, knowing that the league title may still be up for grabs depending on the results of the appeal.