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Devon Chafa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo
DYNAMOS’ championship hunt have been dealt a terrible blow after their star midfielder Devon Chafa was banned for a month by the world soccer governing body, Fifa after he failed a doping test.Chafa has been instrumental in the DeMbare engine room as the reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions sought to retain their title. He was a sure candidate for the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar or even the big prize itself.

According to a statement from Fifa, Chafa has until 9 September to inform them whether he wishes to request a hearing.
“The chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has provisionally suspended a Zimbabwean international footballer for an initial period of 30 days and opened disciplinary proceedings following an adverse analytical finding in relation to a doping control conducted after the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and Egypt played in Harare, Zimbabwe on 9 June 2013.

After receiving the “A” sample result, which was positive for a prohibited substance included in Word Anti Doping Agency’s 2013 prohibited list, the player did not request the analysis of the “B” sample within the deadline granted,” said Fifa.

The decision taken by the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee was notified to Zifa on Friday.
Zifa communication manager Xolisani Gwesela confirmed receipt of the suspension order from Fifa.

“I can confirm that we have received notification from Fifa,” said Gwesela.
Whether Chafa requests a hearing or not, he or Zifa have until 16 September to submit a statement and all related and supporting documentary evidence.

“By testing positive for a prohibited substance, the player has contravened article 63 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. The decision to provisionally suspend the player was taken in accordance with articles 38ff of the Fifa Anti-Doping Regulations and articles 129ff of the Fifa Disciplinary Code.

In line with article 74 paragraph 2 of the Fifa Anti-Doping Regulations, only after it has been determined in a hearing that an anti-doping rule violation has occurred, or after such hearing has been waived, or the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation has not been timely challenged, may Fifa publicly report the anti-doping rule that has been violated, the name of the player who has committed the violation, the prohibited substance and the consequences imposed,” wrote Fifa.

Chafa was part of the 25-member squad that got into camp yesterday in preparation for the dead rubber Fifa World Cup qualifier against Mozambique set for Rufaro Stadium over the weekend.