Scottland FC has denied allegations of attempting to influence their upcoming Premier Soccer League match against CAPS United. The controversy centers on a leaked telephone recording involving CAPS United goalkeeper Washington Arubi and a woman identified as Bridgette Mudhosi. In the recording, she appears to ask Arubi to approach CAPS players about throwing the match, claiming she was sent by Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya.
Scottland FC has rejected the allegations, stating that they did not send anyone to approach Arubi. A Scottland executive, speaking anonymously, said the club did not have anyone named Bridget in its structure and described the claims as an attempt to damage its reputation. The executive said the club was willing to see authorities investigate if a formal complaint had been made.
The leaked audio recording has prompted calls from football fans for its authenticity and circumstances to be examined. Arubi, who is currently sidelined by injury, is heard turning down the request in the recording, citing his commitment to fair play. The recording also captures Mudhosi saying she needs Arubi's help and claiming she had been sent by "Scott".
The Premier Soccer League has urged anyone with evidence of suspected corruption to make a formal report. PSL chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa said the league opposed match manipulation and corruption, but warned that authorities needed tangible evidence to investigate serious claims. He urged aggrieved parties to submit formal reports and said suspected criminal conduct should be referred to law enforcement.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has also reminded PSL club governors of their responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. In a circular, ZIFA general secretary Yvonne Mapika Manwa said the association had zero tolerance for match manipulation and conduct that undermined football's credibility. CAPS United owner Farai Jere has previously made match-fixing allegations against Scottland, the defending league champions.
Prominent constitutional lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu has weighed in on the matter, saying CAPS United should promptly lodge a formal complaint in response to the widely publicized bribery allegations. Mpofu said the allegations had criminal connotations and that CAPS United's failure to act could expose it to liability. The teams are due to meet at Rufaro Stadium on Thursday in a match with major implications for the title race.
The match between Scottland FC and CAPS United has significant implications for the title race, with Scottland currently eight points behind leaders Hardrock but having two games in hand. The build-up to the match has seen the clubs' media teams trade online jibes, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the allegations. Any finding of wrongdoing will depend on a proper investigation and evidence, while Scottland maintains it had no role in the alleged approach to Arubi.
Key points
- Scottland FC rejects match-fixing allegations, saying it did not send anyone to approach CAPS United goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
- Premier Soccer League chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa urges anyone with evidence of suspected corruption to make a formal report.
- The Zimbabwe Football Association reminds PSL club governors of their responsibility to protect the integrity of the game, with zero tolerance for match manipulation and conduct that undermines football's credibility.
