CRFA gags ex-co members

Central Region Football Association (CRFA) has gagged its executive committee members from criticising Football Association of Malawi (FAM) leadership.

A letter signed by CRFA chairperson Austin Ajawa and general secretary Bernard Chiwiruwiru Harawa addressed to vice-chairperson Simion Lijenje and executive committee member Owen Munthali warns the two from criticising FAM president Walter Nyamilandu’s leadership in the media.

“We regret to note your recent negative remarks in the media against FAM leadership. We just want to remind you that any sentiments coming from you, negative or positive, will always be viewed by the general public as a position of CRFA,” reads in part.

But, Lijenje accused Harawa and Ajawa of infringing on his freedom of expression.

“I would like to ask you to cite an article in the association’s constitution which I violated by expressing my right? May you also cite an article where it says “when a member wants to express an opinion they need to first get the blessings from the chairman or the executive?” he quizzed in the letter which we have seen.

Lijenje further challenged Ajawa and Harawa to explain where they got the authority to issue a statement that criticised him for expressing his opinion.

“In what capacity did the two of you write this letter to me? I am just wondering because I didn’t hear of any executive members meeting to discuss my issue,” Lijenje writes.

In an interview yesterday, Lijenje confirmed authoring the letter which he said he submitted to Harawa and Ajawa.

On his part, Harawa confirmed receiving the letter but said he would not comment until he “thoroughly reads, shares it with the chairperson and discusses it”.

Despite the bickering, Nyamilandu already announced that he will not seek a fourth term. But in the past, he twice rescinded his decision to step down.