Ref pays back K1.3 million officiation fees

Southern Region Football Referees Association (SRFRA) treasurer Ishmael Chizinga has paid back the K1.3 million officiation fees he allegedly misappropriated.

SRFRA chairperson Emmanuel Mlauzi said the money was recovered after seeking the intervention of Chizinga’s relations.

He said: “I can confirm that the money has been recovered and our members have been paid their dues for [TNM] Super League for seven weeks.

“We are pleased that the issue has been sorted out amicably, especially after the intervention of his relations, otherwise we could have been forced to use other means .”

Mlauzi said Chizinga’ s issue will now be referred   to their disciplinary committee.

“According to our constitution, this is a disciplinary issue and it will be pursued accordingly,” he said.

Chizinga, a Fifa referee, was not available for comment yesterday.

But National Football Referees Association general secretary Chris Kalichero said they are relieved that the money has been paid back.

“Of major concern was that some of our members had threatened not to officiate matches unless they got their dues.

“It is good that the issue has been sorted out. As for the disciplinary aspect, it will be handled by the SRFRA,” he said.

Last month, Mlauzi and Kalichero said Chizinga was given the money on December 31 to pay SRFRA, but did not do so until he was confronted and reportedly admitted to have used the money for personal things with the hope of paying back when he got his dues from Fifa for the international games that he officiated.