According to high level sources, the match officials at the centre of the controversial decision to award Kaizer Chiefs a penalty in extra-time of their recent DStv Premiership match against AmaZulu have been punished after the review committee met this week. With AmaZulu leading 1-0, Chavani awarded the penalty despite the ball clearly having come off Usuthu defender Tapelo Xoki’s chest, not his arm (which were both tucked behind his back).

Furthermore, Chavani’s decision was not immediate as it was only after he consulted with his fourth official, Moeketsi Molelekoa, that he stopped play and awarded Amakhosi the penalty. Keagan Dolly stepped up to give Kaizer Chiefs a somewhat undeserved share of the spoils with the final kick of the match. According to the Soccer Laduma website, BOTH match officials have been suspended for a period of four weeks for their handling of the incident.

In addition, it’s been reported that following that 28-day suspension, the duo will not be allowed to officiate a “high-profile match” for a further two weeks. What constitutes a “high profile match” is unclear. This incident is not the first time Chavani has fallen foul of the SAFA Referees Review Committee this year. In January Chavani found himself in hot water following a string of questionable decisions, most notably a penalty that wasn’t awarded to Orlando Pirates in their clash against Swallows FC.

In that particular match – which ended 1-1 – the Buccaneers were denied a clear-cut penalty after Fortune Makaringe was brought down in the penalty area. Unbelievably, instead of awarding the penalty, Chavani showed Makaringe a yellow card for “simulation”. Following that decision, Chavani was sidelined for a similar four week period by the governing body.