The Malawi National Council of Sports says the controversy surrounding the postponement of the inaugural FDH Premiership launch at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre last Saturday, left a lot to be desired.
The launch was postponed following an impasse between the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) over the state of the stadium following the latter’s stance that the facility could not host the event because it had been barred from hosting elite matches.
Following the postponement, sponsors FDH Bank plc the following day announced the suspension of all its sports sponsorships valued at K7.5 billion.
A press statement signed by Sports Council board chairperson Jim Kalua, reads: “The council expresses its sincere regret to FDH Bank plc, supporters and all stakeholders for the shortcomings observed during what should have been a flagship fixture showcasing the highest standards of Malawian football.
“The issues noted fell below the level of organisation and professionalism expected of a competition of this stature.
“As the body mandated to provide oversight and strategic direction for sport in Malawi, the council takes these matters seriously and has since engaged relevant stakeholders to establish the root causes and implement corrective measures.”
In this regard, Sports Council has said it will ensure enhanced coordination and alignment between the FAM and the Sulom.
“This will focus on improving match day planning, communication and execution to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the league,” reads the statement further.
“Further, the Council will convene a physical engagement involving FDH Bank plc management, leadership from the Football Association of Malawi and the Super League of Malawi to collectively address the concerns raised and agree on strengthened operational frameworks going forward.”
Sports Council says it values the continued partnership and support from FDH Bank plc, “whose contribution to the growth of football and other sporting disciplines in Malawi remains vital”.
The postponed event was supposed to include an opening match between champions Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture also said it would engage the bank on its decision to suspend all its sports sponsorships.
The ministry’s spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said they are treating the issue with urgency.
He said: “We are worried and concerned with the situation because it could suffocate sports as FDH Bank is a strong partner.
“In this case, it is not only football that is affected, but also other areas such as netball and sports development at grass roots level.
“So, we will be writing to them to ask for a meeting so that we can find an amicable way of resolving the issue.”
Both FAM and Sulom met FDH Bank management early this week where they apologised for the confusion, but it is understood that the bank has referred the matter to its board to determine the way forward.
