FAZ suspends match official over disallowed goal in Kabwe

Second assistant referee Israel Chikumbi (C) before the match between Kabwe Warriors and FC Muza at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu stadium in Kabwe. (Photo via FC MUZA media)

FAZ Secretary General, Rueben Kamanga confirmed the suspension of the match official during an end-of-year media interaction on Wednesday night at the Deck in Lusaka.

The unnamed match official has been suspended in response to the contentious goal during week 17 of the Zambian Super League between Kabwe Warriors and FC Muza at the Godfrey Chitalu Stadium.

Although the official was not named, BolaNews understands that second assistant referee Israel Chikumbi, who ruled Godfrey Binga’s goal offside, is the one who has been suspended for an undisclosed period.

Kamanga stated that the FAZ is doing all necessary to raise the standard of refereeing in the country.

“We are doing everything possible to make sure we improve the standard of match officials. As a matter of fact, FAZ has suspended one of the match officials who officiated the match between FC Muza and Kabwe Warriors.

He added that the FAZ “reviewed the video footage” and decided to suspend the match official.

Despite the 0-0 result, Warriors qualified for the 2024 ABSA Cup after finishing sixth with 26 points in the first half of the season.