SOCCER – Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for an investigation into allegations that some local referees are being bribed, warning that the claims could seriously damage the integrity of football in the country.
The matter was raised on Wednesday during the debate of the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs’ report for the current financial year.
The discussion followed the controversial last-16 clash of the Ingwenyama Cup between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs, which ended in chaos after Highlanders supporters invaded the pitch and assaulted referee Celumusa Siphepho.
The incident followed complaints from Highlanders over what they described as poor officiating decisions by the match officials.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) later found Highlanders guilty of the charges related to the abandoned match and imposed a E50 000 fine. The club has since filed a notice of appeal.
However, MPs argued that the club should not be the only party held accountable, saying referees and football authorities must also be scrutinised.
Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo alleged that bribery among referees could be contributing to tensions during matches.
Khumalo said it was widely believed that some referees were being bought and that the matter needed to be investigated thoroughly.
“It is a fact that referees are bought. I do not know whether they are not paid well or what,” he said.
He added that the allegations, if proven true, could ruin the sport and fuel violence among supporters.
Khumalo further stated that government should establish a commission to investigate the root causes of violence in football and examine the role of referees and administrators.
“This should be looked at deeply by the ministry. We need to understand what really causes this violence,” he said.
Bonginkosi Dlamini, MP for Mhlambanyatsi, also questioned the conduct of referees and football authorities.
Dlamini said referees should be held accountable for their actions, just like clubs and supporters.
He also argued that the organisation responsible for organising matches should take responsibility for safety and security arrangements at stadiums.
Meanwhile, LaMgabhi MP Sicelo Jele condemned the violent scenes witnessed in football, saying the incidents were damaging the country’s reputation.
Jele said attacking referees was wrong and urged the ministry to strengthen safety and security measures at venues where large crowds gather.
He also called on government to expedite the Sports Bill, saying it could help create better structures that would benefit young people and improve the management of sport in the country.
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