Scotland promotion sealed

•karoi appeal dismissed

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Appeals Committee has dismissed Karoi FC's appeal against the Disciplinary Committee's decision, pavingthe way for Scotland FC to be awarded the match and three points.

According to the ruling, "The Appeals Committee therefore finds no basis to interfere with the findings of the Disciplinary Committee... IT IS HEREBY ORDERED... The Appeal is dismissed."

The appeal was lodged by Karoi FC after the Disciplinary Committee found them guilty of contravening Section D2. (2.1) of the Northern Region Soccer League Rules and Regulations. The committee had ruled that Karoi FC's supporters threw missiles at the referee, causing him to abandon the match.

In its ruling, the Appeals Committee upheld the Disciplinary Committee's decision, stating that "the Appellant has the duty to prove his averment that the referee was 'cleared and said he was fine'... The appellant failed to discharge his duty in rebuttal and in support of his defense."

The committee also noted that Karoi FC's supporters were responsible for the violence and unruly behavior that led to the abandonment of the match. "The finding of the Disciplinary Committee to the effect that this made the environment unconducive for the continuation of the match... can therefore not be faulted," the ruling stated.

All the five panelists signed the judgment pouring water to reports that two of the panelists refused to sign.

With the appeal dismissed, Scotland FC has been awarded the match and three points, sealing their dream of promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).