HARARE - Zifa Central Region club Tripple B has paid a $7 000 fee to have their case against Hardbody referred to the Commercial Arbitration Centre.

The Zifa Appeals Committee on January 11 rescinded the decision by the Central Region Disciplinary Committee to dock 42 points off Hardbody for using a fraudulently registered player, Tatenda Chingarah.

A source close to the case told the Daily News yesterday that despite being given a short notice, the Beitbridge-based club had managed to raise the required arbitration fee.

“Tripple B were frustratingly given a very short notice today (yesterday) and were told that tomorrow (today) would be the deadline,” said the source.

“The Beitbridge club surprised many by quickly mobilising the required funds. This shows that they are really determined to have their case heard.”

Due to the absence of a sports arbitration body, Tripple B’s case is a first for Zimbabwe.

Tripple B’s case and that of Northern Region Soccer League’s Harare City, who are appealing against the docking of 18 points by that region’s disciplinary committee is currently before the Zifa Appeals Committee, could potentially delay the start of the 2012 Premier Soccer League season.

Meanwhile, the Zifa Appeals Committee has expressed its confidence that judgment on Harare City’s appeal against the docking of 18 points handed down against them by the Northern Region Disciplinary Committee will be delivered soon.

Harare City were sanctioned by the Northern Region Disciplinary Committee for using striker Webster Muronda, who allegedly also had another contract with AMC.

The Disciplinary Committee docked 18 points from all the six games that Muronda featured for the municipal team.

Appeals Committee chairperson Tererai Gunje confirmed to the Daily News that the matter was discussed on Wednesday.

“We had a hearing that dragged late into the night,” said Gunje.

“Our committee is composed of practicing lawyers so we can only meet after hours.

“We are expecting some exhibits to be availed by the concerned teams today (yesterday).

“We hope to meet over the weekend and our expectation is that we will hand down the judgement soon.

“We are determined to deliver the written judgment soon.”

DSTV Rangers, who challenged Harare City’s promotion from the Northern Region Soccer League title, have been forced to put their celebrations on hold.