FAM says Carlsberg sponsorship litmus test

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said Carlsberg Malawi’s decision to return with football sponsorship will provide a litmus test to the soccer fraternity on their conduct.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said during the sponsorship launch on Friday: “I need not to remind all of us that we are on litmus test and that any repeat of barbaric acts will not be tolerated.

“It is therefore important that we should not allow our personal frustrations to spoil the advancement of the game.”

His call comes after Carlsberg Malawi’s chief executive officer Abel Chanje stressed that the sponsorship of the cup can be terminated any time should there be acts of violence and hooliganism.

Nyamilandu also urged soccer loving Malawians to leave their agendas home saying football is not the right place to vent their grievances.

“Let us utilise football as a source of entertainment and as a platform upon which Malawians can coexist despite our socio-political differences. It is my expectation that this sponsorship will go a long way towards uniting the country and healing the wounds of those that are afflicted.

“There is no need to engage in acts of violence, hooliganism or vandalism because this can be very costly to the sponsor, the football family and the general public at large,” said the country’s football head.

He also said the football fraternity is proud to be associated with a reputable brand like Carlsberg.

“It gives us a lot of hope for the future knowing that this sponsorship will enhance the value of domestic football and attract a lot of good players to the clubs,” he said.

Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers, who benefited K15 million each from the K50 million sponsorship, expressed gratitude to Carlsberg Malawi for their timely rescue.

Bullets chairperson Malinda Chinyama noted that the sponsorship came at a time when the People’s Team was on the verge of demise.

“I would therefore urge the fans to be disciplined. Football is about entertainment, it is not about hooliganism,” said Chinyama.

Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda also said the sponsorship was a timely relief for the Nomads.

“As Wanderers we realise the importance of win-win situation and we do undertake to add value to your brand,” said Kanyenda.