ZIFA overturns PSL decision to suspend relegation
Says bid to save teams ruins spirit of competition
By Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reversed a controversial Premier Soccer League (PSL) decision to scrap relegation at the end of this season ostensibly to make way for the planned increase of teams from the current 18 to 22 starting next season.
The curtain comes down on the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season this weekend with nine teams in danger of joining already relegated Kwekwe United in playing Division One football next season.
Among the teams that could be relegated this season are traditional giants Highlanders and Dynamos, who have dominated domestic football for decades.
There are fears that the mood of the local game could be damaged if any or both the country’s biggest clubs – going by support base and number of trophies won before – are relegated.
PSL said the decision to suspend relegation would allow a smooth transition to a 20-team top-flight, in line with what officials say are global standards.
However, ZIFA have moved to overturn the decision, insisting that four teams shall still be relegated at the end of the season.
ZIFA said any attempt to save teams from relegation could ruin the spirit of competition.
READ FULL STATEMENT FROM ZIFA
CLARIFICATION ON PROMOTION AND RELEGATION FOR THE 2025 PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE SEASON
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to advise the football community, stake-holders, media partners and the nation regarding the promotion and relegation framework for the 2025 Castle Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
ZIFA has taken note of communication from the Premier Soccer League dated 18 November 2025, indicating a resolution from its Extraordinary General Meeting proposing that no teams be relegated at the end of the current season and that the league’s membership be expanded to 22 clubs.
The Association wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this proposal cannot be implemented. Promotion and relegation are fundamental components of football competition and are essential to maintaining the integrity, fairness and sporting merit of the league system.
ZIFA therefore confirms that four (4) clubs will be relegated at the conclusion of the 2025 Castle Premier Soccer League season, which officially ends on 23 November 2025.
Should the Premier Soccer League or any other member wish to propose an adjustment to the number of participating teams, or propose any other resolution, such a request must be formally submitted to the Association. In accordance with ZIFA statutes, the proposal will then be tabled for consideration at the next ZIFA Congress.
Issued by:
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Media & Communications Department
