Suspended: Shock as CAF Axes One of Zambia’s Top Referees

Shock has greeted the local football fraternity following news that Confederation of African Football (CAF) has provisionally suspended top referee Janny Sikazwe.

Sikazwe has been accused of poor performance during the 2018 Champions League semi-final match between Tunisian side Esperance and Primero Agosto of Angola.

In a letter sent by CAF to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary, Kashala Adrian, the African football governing body stated that the referee will not handle any match until he exculpates himself.

“After thoroughly checking the elements presented to the Disciplinary Board on 6^th  November regarding the violation by Mr. Jimmy Sikazwe of CAF regulations in  particular Acts 82, 136, 152 of the Disciplinary code, a decision has been made to suspend the named referee from all football activities related to CAF pending the hearing before CAF Disciplinary Board,” reads parts of the letter.

The Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto filed a complaint on Sikazwe to CAF, after they were disqualified from the CAF Champions League after losing 4-2 in the semi-final second leg against Esperance.

In the document, they criticized the referee for committing many mistakes that were in favor of Esperance. They also commented on his unprofessionalism in handling the game, especially after the Esperance supporters got violent.

The suspension of Sikazwe has been regarded by many as is a big blow, not just for the whistle blower, but for the country as a whole and it is expected FAZ will file an appeal.

Sikazwe is a darling of many in his country for epitomizing Zambian football, having recently become the first referee to have officiated in FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup.