SOCCER – THE Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Referees Committee has handed down one of its toughest sanctions in recent memory, banning senior referee Mbongeni Myeni for five years.
The ban comes after allegations of match manipulation linked to a MulaSport National First Division fixture.
Myeni was found guilty after a disciplinary process linked to an alleged attempt to influence officials ahead of the match between Pigg’s Peak Rangers and Madlenya played at Killarney Sports Ground.
According to information gathered, Myeni, who was not assigned to officiate the fixture, allegedly contacted match officials before kick-off.
He is said to have attempted to influence their decisions in favour of the home side, who were still in contention for league honours.
The on-duty referees reportedly rejected the approach and the match ended in a goalless draw.
Tensions are said to have escalated after the final whistle when officials from the home team allegedly confronted match officials over the result.
A match commissioner, who witnessed the exchange, reportedly flagged concerns to the EFA Referees Committee, triggering an investigation.
Sources claim the matter deepened during disciplinary proceedings, where it was alleged that Myeni had arranged communication between officials and a senior representative of the host team in an effort to sway the outcome – claims that were reportedly denied by those approached.
Following hearings before the disciplinary committee, Myeni was found guilty of match manipulation-related offences and was suspended from all football-related activities under the EFA umbrella for five years.
EFA Referees Committee Chairperson Sicelo Nene confirmed the outcome while stressing the association’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“We cannot disclose full disciplinary details, but a referee appeared before the DC on serious allegations of match manipulation and has been suspended. We have zero tolerance for any corrupt activities that compromise the integrity of the game,” he said.
Nene also issued a stern warning to club officials against interfering with match officials before games.
“This must stop. We will deal firmly with anyone involved in such conduct,” he added.
However, a senior official from Pigg’s Peak Rangers denied any wrongdoing, saying the club had no contact with the suspended referee prior to the match.
“This is news to us. The referee in question was not even officiating that day. We did not approach any official. If there are allegations, they must be proven,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the EFA Referees Committee says it has intensified efforts this season to restore integrity in local football, with more than 10 match officials previously sanctioned for officiating errors and administrative breaches during the last campaign.
