FIFA bans top Zimbabwe official for sexually harassing female referees

A former top official of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has been banned from all football-related activities for five years for sexually harassing three female referees, FIFA announced on Thursday.

Obert Zhoya, former secretary general of the ZIFA Referees Committee, was also fined 20 000 Swiss francs ($20 400) by the ethics committee of world football's governing body.

FIFA said in a statement that after "careful analysis of the written statements of the victims", Zhoya had been "found guilty of abusing his position to sexually harass three female ZIFA referees".

FIFA did not provide any details on the case but said they would reveal the reasons behind the decision within 60 days.