Just a slap on the wrist for Zim match-fixers

There will be widespread relief around the Premier Soccer League after Zimbabwe back-pedalled on harsh sanctions for match-fixers and, instead, handed out fines and suspended sentences to a host of South Africa-based players implicated in the country's long-running "Asiagate" scandal.

After weeks of delaying sentencing for some 70 players found guilty of taking money from an Asian betting syndicate to lose matches on tour in the Far East, the Zimbabwe Football Association has now announced sanctions that have been watered down after weeks of political haggling.

In effect, the players are getting a second chance, the association said. But this does not include the 15 players, coaches and officials who were the ringleaders, and were banned for life two months ago. These include Thomas Sweswe of Wits and Method Mwanjali of Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as former Black Leopards coach Sunday Chidzambwa. They have been given until the end of the month to appeal.

Off the hook are Nyasha Mushekwi and Pretoria University goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who received one-year suspended sentences. It was originally recommended they be banned for 12 months, a sanction Fifa was expected to extend worldwide to include the PSL.

Tuks midfielder Lionel Mtizwa, recommended for an eight-year ban by the independent judicial commission which investigated the corruption, has instead been fined $7000 for his part in three different trips to Asia and given a five-year suspended sentence.

Both Ajax Cape Town's Paul Rusike and Moroka Swallows' Gilbert Mapemba were handed one-year suspended sentences provided they pay $2000 fines. AmaZulu midfielder Ramson Zhuwawo has been fined $1000. If he doesn't pay, this will be converted into a one-year ban.