DYNAMOS and Warriors midfielder Devon Chafa has been suspended by the Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) for testing positive for a “prohibited substance”.
Simba Rushwaya
Chafa has been caught in the drugs storm in the past fortnight when it was revealed that he failed a doping test which was conducted randomly by Fifa on June 9 this year, just before a 2014 World Cup match between the Warriors and the Pharaohs of Egypt. Zimbabwe lost the match 2-4.
In a statement from the Fifa headquarters in Zurich, the world governing body said the Dynamos hardman would not be allowed to kick the ball for the next 30 days. His suspension is with effect from August 30. Chafa featured in a BancABC Sup8r semi-final match against Shabanie Mine in Bulawayo last Sunday.
“The chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has provisionally suspended a Zimbabwean international footballer for an initial period of 30 days and opened disciplinary proceedings following an adverse analytical finding in relation to a doping control.
“After receiving the A sample result, which was positive for a prohibited substance included in WADA’s 2013 prohibited list, the player did not request the analysis of the B sample within the deadline granted,” part of the statement which will, no doubt shatter Chafa’s career, read.
According to Fifa, Chafa has until September 9 to inform them whether he wishes to request a hearing.
“Irrespective of whether or not the player requests a hearing, the player and/or the Zimbabwean Football Association have until September 16 to submit a statement and all related and supporting documentary evidence. The player has contravened article 63 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. The decision to provisionally suspend the player was taken in accordance with articles 38ff of the Fifa Anti-Doping Regulations and articles 129ff of the Fifa Disciplinary Code,” Fifa said.
