CAF warns FAM over venue, risks fine

CAF has warned FAM that it risked a $2 000 (about K596 000) fine if by close of business Thursday it did not communicate the venue for next month’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier against Ghana.

The continental football governing body has also said that failure by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to fix the venue in the next 10 days will lead to the organising committee of the competition determining the venue, a situation that could lead to the game being played at a neutral venue.

According to a letter from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) assistant manager for competitions Amr Fahmy to FAM, the provisions are in accordance with Article 16 of the regulations.

The article reads: “The venue and day of the match [Friday, Saturday, Sunday] will be determined by the host federation that shall inform the general secretariat of CAF and the adverse team one month before the match. The kick-off time will be fixed at least 10 days before the match. Each infraction shall entail a fine of $2 000.”

The Ghana game is slated for October 13.

Part of the letter addressed to FAM, dated September 12 2012, reads: “We would like to remind you of the provisions of Article 16 of the regulations. You are, therefore, kindly requested to inform the concerned parties as well as CAF by [Thursday] evening at the latest, of the date, venue and kick-off time of the matches on your territory.

“Consequently, kindly send us upon receipt of this e-mail the requested information to avoid any sanctions which would be imposed in the event of non-respect of the mentioned deadlines.”

While confirming receiving the letter from CAF, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu on Tuesday said they were still waiting to get a final report from government.

“We are still waiting for a final decision from government today based on recommendation from structural engineers and all we can do at the moment is wait and cross our fingers that we will be able to beat the cut-off point that is in a few hours’ time,” said Nyamilandu.

However, Nyamilandu said priority is still Kamuzu Stadium because of capacity unless if it is declared unfit.

“It has a higher capacity, the team is also used to the pitch and we stand to generate more revenue. However, in the event that Kamuzu Stadium is declared unfit to host the match then we will go for Civo Stadium,” said Nyamilandu.

He also said CAF might send inspectors to check the stadium.

“Sometimes they take our word, but based on the current situation, they could send their own inspectors,” he said.

Second Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Justin Saidi Thursday morning said the structural engineers had finalised the tests and were analysing the results.

Meanwhile, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has said he would love the game to be played at Kamuzu Stadium.

“I have asked FAM that even if it means reducing the capacity to the extent that the upper parts of the affected stands should not be occupied, then let it be.

“Because we stand a better chance of doing well at Kamuzu Stadium having turned it into a fortress. Since 2008, we have only lost one Africa major game [against Burkina Faso].

“Most of Ghana players are used to playing on natural surface, therefore, they would struggle to play there. The artificial turf would definitely drain their energy. Apparently, the players also prefer Kamuzu Stadium,” he said.