Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has demanded a structural assessment of the ailing Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as one of the conditions for approval to host elite matches.
This is contained in correspondence between the association and the facility’s owners, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
The last time the 71-year-old facility underwent a similar assessment was 14 years ago, in 2012.
| Francis Chamasowa
A letter from FAM competitions and club licensing manager manager Clement Kafwafwa, the association lists five other areas that need to be worked on.
They include blocked toilets in the VIP section, vandalised and stolen toilet seats in the open stands, sub-standard and damaged substitute benches, broken toilet facilities in the dressing rooms and a non-functional scoreboard.
Reads the letter: “These shortcomings pose significant concerns in terms of safety, hygiene and match operations, thereby rendering the facility unsuitable for elite competitions at this time.
“You are, therefore, requested to urgently address the highlighted issues. A follow-up inspection will be conducted upon completion of the necessary remedial works.
“We look forward to your prompt action to ensure compliance with the required standards.”
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture spokesperson Macmillan Mwale confirmed that FAM raised the issues with the ministry through the stadium management.
On the demand for structural assessment, he said: “It is a technical issue that requires experts’ input. So, we will come up with a way forward.”
“Otherwise, the other areas of concern have been worked on, including the technical benches, scoreboard and sanitary conditions.”
During a press conference on Sunday in Blantyre, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said the decision to bar the stadium from hosting matches was made in the interest of all stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and clubs.
“We want to protect the of the lives of the fans as well as the interests of the sponsor and government,” he said.
The assessment by structural engineers in 2012 established that most of the stands on the eastern side were in bad shape and had developed cracks which were a recipe for disaster.
However, the facility was reopened months later following pressure from some football fans.
The status of the stadium sparked controversy that led to the postponement of the FDH Bank Premiership launch event and opening match between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United on Saturday after FAM insisted that the facility was not approved to host matches.
The development led to sponsors of the league, FDH Bank plc, suspending its K7.5 billion sports sponsorships.
The sponsorships include the recently launched five-year K5 billion FDH Bank Premiership, the K1.2 billion FDH Bank Netball Premiership, K1 billion for the Malawi National Football Team, K360 million Malawi Schools Sports Association and K22 million towards mayor’s trophies for primary schools.
The statement from FDH Bank plc, reads: “FDH Bank plc, proud sponsor of the FDH Premiership and the Malawi National Football Team, wishes to express deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent events surrounding the official launch of the FDH Bank Premiership at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
“The unfortunate impasse between Sulom and FAM undermines the commercial viability of our partnerships and negatively impacts FDK Bank plc brand image. In respect of the bove, FDH Bank plc has immediately suspended all sports-related sponsorships and activities pending review.”
