Kennedy Gondwe
FAZ PROVIDED WRONG INFORMATION IN WOMEN’S AFRICA CUP PROTEST TO CAF
… Jerome Damon Never Went To The VAR Room
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) provided wrong information to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in their quest to have the continent’s mother body cancel the contentious loss to South Africa in the semi-finals of the women’s African Cup of Nations last month.
Zambia lost 1-0 to eventual tournament winners South Africa through a controversial penalty which prompted FAZ to protest to CAF.
In a letter dated July 18th, 2022 to CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala listed six indiscretions against Zambia and demanded that among others, the controversial penalty be annulled and the match be replayed. However, part of the information in this information was inaccurate.
Kashala alleged that “We have further been informed that Mr. Jerome Kelvyn Damon, a South African VAR instructor found his way into the VAR room when he wasn’t one of the VAR referees appointed to handle the match and we believe that his presence influenced the VAR decision that led to a goal, Sadly, the decision also came minutes later which clearly shows that there was ill intention against Zambia.”
But in response to the letter, Damon stated was infact not present in the VAR room. He has protested the allegation and wants an apology and disciplinary action taken against FAZ.
“Sir, as I am part of the official CAF Delegation, the
CAF security records at the stadia will reflect that I
have not been to any match venues for the entire
duration of the tournament. What disturbs me most, is the insinuation that not only was I present in the VOR (which is completely illegal as per the IFAB VAR protocol), but that I may have influenced the outcome of the match. I have served African Football for many years with great integrity, on-and-off the field of play. I deserve better,” he wrote to Mosengo-Omba.
“I also request an official apology and a full
retraction of the statements from Zambia FA
relating to me and my character as the mailing
list to which the official protest has been sent, is
extensive and far-reaching.
“Sir, I have never been as offended in football before, as I am today. I am firmly resolved to have my dignity and integrity maintained. For ease of reference, please note that I have copied the Chairperson and Deputy of the CAF Referees Committee and my federation, the South African Football Association, hereto.”
CAF threw out Zambia’s appeal on a “technicality”.
Well, the facts are clear and speak for themselves. Match replays are always a tall order after a protest and in this case, the said tournament is even over. Zambia did have a point and putting its indiscretions on record was always welcome but to expect CAF to have acted in our favour was being as ambitious as asking for blood from a cabbage. Can someone please advise our GS or the person who writes for him to be a bit more meticulous in his correspondence to avoid elementary mistakes, misplaced words eg “scout free” (instead of “scot-free”), “contest against” (instead of “contest” and his construction in his letter to CAF?
Further, can someone advise him to cite football statutes next time he wants to have a water-tight case and avoid copying in too many people in such classified information? Hope my message reaches home and settles in well with the powers that be as it’s in the best interest of Zambian football.
DISCLAIMER:
In case you are one of those that catches wrong feelings whenever I express an opinion on our football, don’t blame me if my above best wishes message puts you on fire. You’re on your own! I have consistently reported on our football for 24 years and sadly for you, I have no intentions to stop.
Mine is to express an opinion and where facts are required, provide them no matter how they may be unpleasant to you. How you interpret what I write is unfortunately entirely your business, not mine.
Thank you for your understanding.
