Second senior referee banned for match-fixing

SOCCER – The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Referees Committee continues with its unprecedented crackdown on corruption, slapping senior match official Vusani Dlamini with a two-year ban for match manipulation.

This dramatic development comes just days after the five-year suspension of another high-profile senior referee, Mbongeni Myeni, under almost similar circumstances.

The banning of the two seasoned officials exposes a deeply concerning vulnerability at the highest level of the local game, suggesting that the rot of match-fixing may be more systemic than previously feared.

Reports indicate that Dlamini was served with his formal suspension letter on Friday by the Referees Committee.

The sanction follows an investigation that found him guilty of match manipulation allegations tied to a Mula Sport tournament fixture between Pigg’s Peak Professionals and Madlenya, played at the Killarney Sports Ground on May 16.

According to the official charge sheet obtained by this publication, Dlamini, one of the country’s most experienced officials, failed to report an illicit approach made by a Pigg’s Peak Professionals club official ahead of the encounter.

“The Eswatini Football Association, through the Referees Committee, has found that you have violated the Referees Code of Conduct and Integrity,” the suspension letter reads.

“On May 15, 2026, you participated in a conference call which involved your colleague, a Pigg’s Peak Professionals official and yourself as the appointed referee to officiate in the match against Madlenya FC.

You neglected or failed to report the element of match manipulation, in particular the conference call and the request made by the Pigg’s Peak Professionals team official to do them a favour to win the game.

By so doing, you have violated Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Referees Policy. As a result, you are guilty as charged.

The Eswatini Football Association, through the Referees Committee, has suspended you from officiating in all matches under the auspices of the EFA for a period of two years. The suspension is with effect from June 19, 2026 to June 19, 2028.”

The unfolding scandal closely mirrors the downfall of Mbongeni Myeni, whose landmark five-year ban earlier last week sent shockwaves through the sporting fraternity.

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Myeni’s severe punishment marked the first major domino to fall in this sweeping anti-corruption drive, establishing a strict legal precedent for the EFA’s zero-tolerance stance.

When contacted for comment yesterday afternoon, the embattled Dlamini refused to be drawn into the specifics of his suspension.

“I can’t say anything on such an issue,” Dlamini politely stated.

“Please contact the Referees Committee or the Referees Association if you want something.”

Responding to the growing controversy, EFA Referees Committee official Sicelo Nene confirmed the disciplinary actions, though he withheld specific identities.

“We are aware of suspensions, though we can’t disclose the name since it is a matter between the two parties,” Nene said.

“But what I can say is that football stakeholders shouldn’t be worried.

We take cognisance of the fact that referees make a living through the sport, while we have also heard the complaints from the clubs regarding officiating.

We want the best for our football and are not fighting anyone.

We, therefore, appeal for assistance from every stakeholder as we try to improve our football.”

The current match-fixing crisis represents a significant escalation in the EFA’s ongoing battle.

During the past campaign, the Referees Committee suspended more than 10 referees.