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Zimpapers Sports Hub
TROUBLED Karoi United have appealed against the Northern Region Soccer League ruling that found them guilty of their abandoned game against Scottland.
Karoi United tendered their US$5 000 appeal fee at ZIFA with the association now expected to set a date for the hearing when all the necessary paperwork has been put in place.
ZIFA chief executive Yvonne Manwa confirmed that Karoi had lodged an appeal with them. “Yes, they paid, we are waiting for their actual paperwork,’’ Manwa said.
The appeal fee was tendered just 12 days after Karoi faced a player mutiny over unpaid bonuses, amid claims by the club chiefs to the players that there was no money in their coffers.
“Karoi United FC does not accept this bogus judgment. We will keep our supporters informed of our next steps. Let’s stay united as we pursue a fair outcome,’’ read part of a statement from Karoi United confirming their appeal.
“We will follow the proper procedures.’’
It, however, emerged last night that the appeal will not stop Scottland from being crowned the 2024 NRSL champions if they beat Black Mambas at Rufaro tomorrow.
Similarly, the appeal will not stop MWOS from being champions, should they beat AGAMA at Ngoni Stadium in Norton tomorrow and Newsome Mutema’s Mambas upstage Scottland.
Legal experts explained that: “The noting of an appeal by Karoi United FC does not automatically suspend the decision of the disciplinary committee.
“The automatic suspension of the decision appealed against only applies to decisions of the formal court and the Supreme Court made the pronouncement clear in this regard,’’ the experts said.
In their ruling which was officially announced on Monday, the NRSL disciplinary committee found Karoi guilty of causing the abandonment of their encounter against Scottland at Chikangwe when the match was tied 1-1.
“In terms of the Rules and Regulations, the NRSL has handed down its judgment in the Karoi United – Scottland FC abandoned match, as follows: The abandoned match is hereby awarded to Scottland FC on a 3-0 scoreline. Karoi United is further fined a sum amount of US$2,000.00 of which USD$500.00 has been suspended on condition that Karoi United FC will not commit a similar offense in the coming soccer season.
“The suspended amount will be added to any determination where Karoi United FC is found guilty for bringing the game of football into disrepute.
“The decision is designed to ensure that future incidents of a similar nature will not occur and in the process protect the game of football,’’ read part of the judgment.
Karoi have now taken to the ZIFA Appeals Committee in a bid to have the ruling overturned although precedent in which most of the abandoned matches have often ended in the guilty sides forfeiting the game on a 3-0 scoreline, will be weighing heavily against them.
Disgruntled Karoi players are also reportedly questioning the wisdom of the club, in launching “an expensive legal battle when they have not been paying the players’ bonuses for the last three matches’’.
Sources close to the goings-on at Karoi told Zimpapers Sports Hub that an as yet unknown ‘benefactor’ has availed funds to the club executives to help them pay for their lawyer’s fees and all the financial assistance they need to mount their appeal at ZIFA.
The club is owned by the Karoi Town Council and it has emerged that the council had not approved any expenditure related to a legal challenge for the ruling.
“Karoi United is a council-owned team and as such all their major expenses have to be approved by council.
“In fact, the club has been struggling for funds and just before their Match Day 25 game against AGAMA FC on October 23, their players went on strike as they have not been paid for three matches now.”
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