The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) yesterday found itself in a tight spot after the Football Association of Malawi issued a stern warning that the league-runners risk disciplinary action if they go ahead to host the FDH Premiership launch game between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.
FAM has stuck to its guns regarding the status of the facility stressing that it remains closed after failing to meet standard requirements.
A media statement FAM issued yesterday, reads: “Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wishes to inform its stakeholders and the general public that Kamuzu Stadium remains closed and is currently not approved to host elite football matches.
“This follows earlier communication after preliminary assessments indicated that the facility does not yet meet the required standards for hosting top-tier fixtures.”
The statement says in view of this, the FDH Premier League launch match between Mighty Wanderers FC and Karonga United FC, scheduled this afternoon cannot be played at the venue.
“The Super League of Malawi [Sulom] and the host club [Wanderers] have since been directed to secure an alternative venue,” reads the statement further.
FAM has since warned that failure to comply with the directive shall result in disciplinary action in accordance with Articles 15, 16, 17 and 55 of the FAM Statutes.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda and president Gilbert Mittawa could not be reached for comment at press time yesterday.
“FAM emphasises that no matches will be authorised at the stadium until a comprehensive inspection is completed and a formal determination is made on its compliance status in line with Club Licensing requirements,” reads the statement.
“The Association remains committed to ensuring that all football activities are conducted in safe, compliant, and professional environments, and will continue working closely with all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the game.”
The development comes after Zodiak online quoted Mittawa as having said that he had asked FAM president Fleetwood Haiya to allow the stadium to host the launch game.
Wanderers president and main sponsor Thom Mpinganjira blasted both bodies in an interview yesterday.
Said the business mogul and philanthropist: “Wanderers has not received any written or verbal communication from Sulom, on where the game will be played, if not at Kamuzu Stadium.
“This is very stupid power-play between the two bodies.
“It is also rude and embarrassing to the official sponsors FDH Bank. How does the sponsor plan?
“I have never known or seen such disrespect. As a sponsor of football I see no future for football in Malawi.
As of yesterday afternoon, preparations for the launch at the stadium were in progress with the sponsors bringing in their banners in readiness for the launch. A pre-match meeting involving stakeholders was also scheduled to take place at the stadium.
