HARARE – The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has found Herentals FC guilty of match-fixing and their result against Black Rhinos has been forfeited with the effect of relegating them from the topflight league.
The outcome means that Chapungu, who were relegated after finishing a point behind Herentals, have bounced back into the top flight.
Herentals FC and their official, Oliver Chirenga, were charged with attempting to influence the outcome of their Castle Lager PSL match against Black Rhinos FC which was played at the National Sports Stadium on October 19, 2019.
“Herentals FC were fined RTGS Z$300,000. In addition, in line with Article 18(2) of the Fifa Disciplinary Code 2019, the results of the Herentals FC vs Black Rhinos FC match played on October 19, 2019, be and is hereby forfeited,” PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said in statement
In the event that the club does not comply with any part of this penalty, the club shall not be allowed to participate in any football or football-related activities for the next ten years, the PSL said.
Oliver Chirenga was fined Z$20,000 and banned from any football-related activities for a period of ten years from January 1, 2020, PSL said.
“During his period of banishment, the accused shall not be allowed to watch local football or be near any football stadium in Zimbabwe. The fine of Z$20,000 is to be paid by January 31, 2020,” Bare said.
Former Black Rhinos manager Gift Kamuriwo was fined Z$20,000 for breaching PSL Rules and Regulations which makes it an offence on the part of player or official to accept inducement, reward or bribe.
Black Rhinos blew the whistle on the corruption after Kamuriwo admitted receiving a bribe to influence the outcome of their match against Herentals, who were facing relegation at the time.
Rhinos said Kamuriwo, a former Zimbabwe international, received US$600 from Herentals manager Oliver Chirenga to give to unnamed players.
Black Rhinos were down 3-0 in the opening 10 minutes of the October 19 match.
