Referee’s Infant Dies During ZIFA Training Workshop

A heartbreaking incident occurred at ZIFA Village in Mt Hampden, where a female referee attending a FIFA MA Referees training course lost her infant child.

The referee, who was participating in the ongoing five-day training program, had brought her two young children along. During the course of the day, one of the children—an infant—fell critically ill and, despite urgent efforts to save the child, tragically passed away.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the incident and noted that the case has since been handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for further investigation.

“Tragically, one of the participating referees experienced the sudden and unexpected death of her infant during the day’s proceedings,” ZIFA said. “Although immediate assistance was rendered, the child sadly could not be revived.”

The association added that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and offering support to the grieving mother during this incredibly difficult time.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and kindly request that their privacy be respected,” the statement read.

The referee training course, which began on Monday, is scheduled to conclude on Friday.

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