ZIFA suspends assistant referee Obey Mbengo for six months

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended assistant referee Obey Mbengo for six months.

Mbengo will not officiate Premier Soccer League matches during the suspension.

The decision follows a disciplinary review into his officiating during a recent league fixture.

Mbengo punished after CAPS United-Dynamos clash

ZIFA confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

The association said Mbengo breached Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct.

The offence relates to the CAPS United versus Dynamos match at Rufaro Stadium.

The fixture took place on 5 September 2026.

According to ZIFA, the match commissioner’s report identified an incorrect decision during the match.

The decision was deemed significant enough to determine the outcome of the fixture.

As a result, ZIFA took disciplinary action against the assistant referee.

The association has now ruled that Mbengo must serve a six-month suspension.

The suspension also follows an earlier incident involving Mbengo.

ZIFA said this was his second offence of a similar nature.

The previous incident occurred during the match between TelOne FC and Manica Diamonds FC.

Therefore, the latest disciplinary action carries greater significance for the assistant referee.

ZIFA said it remains committed to maintaining high officiating standards.

The association also stressed the importance of professionalism and accountability among match officials.

Furthermore, ZIFA wants to protect the integrity of Zimbabwean football.

The suspension sends a strong message to officials across the domestic game.

It also highlights the responsibility referees carry when making decisions during important league matches.

For Mbengo, the six-month ban now rules him out of Premier Soccer League assignments.

ZIFA issued the decision through its Media and Communications Department on Wednesday.