Malawi National Council of Sports says it expects Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to suspend its executive committee member who is alleged to have made sexual advances on a female football official in South Africa.
The official in question (name withheld) is accused of having made the sexual abusive acts during the Malawi Women’s National Football Team’s recent trip to the Rainbow Nation for friendly matches.
In an interview on Thursday, Sports Council chief executive officer Henry Kamata said: “As Sports Council, our interest is to ensure that every sports association adheres to safeguarding policies and regulations.
“For far too long, we have swept such issues under the carpet, but not this time around.”
He further said they expect standard practice in matters of investigations by suspending the alleged culprit from official duties and assignments.
Added the Sports Council boss: “It is normal practice that anyone being accused of or implicated in such issues should either be suspended or should voluntarily step aside.
“You cannot be doing investigations while the concerned official continues to work.
We expect FAM to uphold what it prophesies that they are transforming the game of football. This transformation should cover safeguarding issues for our athletes and officials.”
Kamata also said FAM is yet to respond to council’s letter on the matter.
His reaction comes after FAM general secretary (GS) Alfred Gunda played down the prospect of asking the alleged culprit to step aside in the wake of the probe the association has instituted.
In his response earlier this week, the FAM GS, who was not available for comment yesterday, said: “It is not good to issue judgement on people when the cases have not been investigated. Let us not be judgemental in this case.”
But commenting on the same, Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka said it would be ideal if FAM partnered the Malawi Human Rights Commission, who should institute an independent investigation into the matter.
He said: “If this issue is given the serious attention it deserves, more alleged victims of sexual abuse in sports could feel free to come in the open and disclose their ordeals.
“There should be an independent body to conduct the investigation.”
Posting on his Facebook Page earlier this week, Sports Council board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said: “The sexual allegations involving the Scorchers are extremely serious and worrying.
“We look forward to FAM thoroughly investigating them within the shortest time possible. It’s time to clean our sports.”
The alleged victim said in an earlier interview she does not want to talk to any media outlet “about anything to do with this issue”.
On Tuesday, FAM announced through a statement that it would launch an investigation into the matter.
The statement reads: “The Football Association of Malawi has taken serious note of allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of the Malawi Women’s National Team delegation during a recent international engagement.
“FAM has, therefore, instituted a formal inquiry to investigate and make findings on the matter. This process will be undertaken pursuant to applicable rules and policies that ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved.
“FAM wishes to assure the general public and all stakeholders that it remains fully committed to the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all its players and officials in line with its safeguarding policy.”
