Namibia: Football Authorities Condemn Match-Fixing

16 May 2011

As the current domestic football season draws to an end, the Namibia Football Association and Premier League jointly condemned bribery allegations on Friday.

According to the two football bodies, allegations of bribery and match-fixing have surfaced in the lead up to the final two rounds of the MTC Premiership, Leo NFA Cup Final as well as the remaining matches in the two first division streams.

Although Black Africa have already bagged the million dollar top prize that comes with winning the premier league, the race for second and third as well as the battles against relegation have attracted enormous attention with allegations of match fixing and officials bribery doing the rounds. Second and third place clubs are awarded N$300 000 and N$ 200 000 respectively.

Match officials are the main targets said NFA National Referees Committee Chairperson Rudolph Mupiri. He claimed that his Committee has been approached by certain individuals alleging match-fixing by team officials and players.

“It is very disturbing to us to be alerted on this and we have taken note of it and will not tolerate any of it and if our investigations that are underway produce any disturbing results, those responsible, from teams, referees, they will be dealt with accordingly”, said Mupiri.

Mupiri added that the Namibia Premier League and first division league officials had been briefed of the allegations.

“Our referees have been continuously been judged and through the NFA. We will ensure that we maintain professionalism and the best team win and that fair play applies in all our conducts. Our members have been reminded of this one and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro echoed Mupiri’s sentiments and stressed that the rule of law will apply should any unethical practice be discovered.

AllAfrica – All the Time