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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Referees’ Committee has been sucked into a scandal for retesting a female referee, who failed a Fifa fitness test, before the end of the mandatory six weeks waiting period.

Class One referee Blessing Mpande was among four match officials that failed the elite referees’ course in Harare two weeks ago and should not be allowed to officiate any football match until they pass a fitness test that they can only do after six weeks.

However, Bulawayo Referees’ Committee bosses Sabelo Sibindi and Edson Nkau last week allowed Mpande to do a retest under unclear circumstances in violation of standing Fifa rules, triggering allegations of favouritism against the committee.

“We were shocked to see Ble (Mpande) at the course. The statutes are very clear that you have to wait for six weeks but Nkau and Sibindi allowed her and we believe she is their favourite. An organisation cannot be run like that,” said a referee, who attended the course.

Another referee said if the instructors had genuine reasons for allowing Mpande to do a retest before the mandatory six weeks were up, they should have also allowed other three referees that failed to also having another go.

“These are some of the things that destroy our profession. We have half baked referees being propelled simply because they are favourites of those in charge. Ascendency should be on merit and nothing else,” said the referee.

Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee vice-president Wilfred Mukuna said corrective action had been taken.

“Fifa’s mandatory stipulated time for waiting before retesting is six weeks. We are aware of that (Mpande’s case) and corrective action has been taken. The running of anyone outside Fifa stipulation is null and void; we don’t tolerate such deeds,” said Mukuna.

Chronicle Sport is also reliably informed that Mpande was last year recommended for the Fifa panel but her name was struck off by Fifa officials, who indicated that there were more deserving senior referees compared to her as she has not officiated in the Premier League.

The Bulawayo Referees’ Committee has always been mired in controversy with referees complaining that failure declare allegiance to those in charge results in one being sidelined.