Africa Mineral Ventures Football Club is seriously considering withdrawing from the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League, citing what it describes as the league’s failure to adequately protect clubs and players following violent scenes during its Week 27 fixture against Power FC at Gaths Mine Stadium in Mashava.
The Rusape based club says the decision is being considered after a series of incidents which it alleges left its players injured, supporters intimidated and sponsors and stakeholders concerned about their continued involvement in football.
AMV claims the Eastern Region Soccer League has failed to adequately protect participating clubs, while questioning whether enough is being done to protect the integrity and reputation of the competition and its sponsor, Pacific Storm.
“We are contemplating to quit football if these actions are not rectified,” AMV chief executive officer Patient Dube said
In its amended formal complaint, AMV detailed allegations of player assaults, pitch invasion, threats against supporters, poor security and controversial officiating during the goalless draw with Power FC.
The club alleges that its players were attacked during a confrontation involving Power FC players and technical officials, while security personnel failed to prevent supporters from entering the field of play.
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AMV further alleges that police officers opened a gate which allowed hooligans to gain access to the pitch, where they allegedly joined the confrontation involving players.
The club says the events have had consequences beyond the football pitch, with sponsors and other stakeholders withdrawing financial support because of concerns over safety.
“Our sponsors and stakeholders have withdrawn funds. They are fearing that we might lose lives of the people in such a violent infested area,” Dube said.
AMV had initially called for its upcoming fixtures to be postponed to allow the club to attend to injured players and assess the situation.
The club is now contemplating leaving the league altogether if it believes its concerns over player and supporter safety are not adequately addressed.
AMV has also called for the Week 27 result to be nullified and the match replayed at a neutral and secure venue, while demanding disciplinary action against Power FC and the match officials.
The club says it has video and photographic evidence, as well as witnesses, to support its allegations.
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