Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by one of its executive members, but said he will not be asked to step aside in the wake of the probe.
A FAM executive member (name withheld) is accused of having made the sexual advances on a female official during the Scorchers’ recent trip to South Africa.
Responding to a question on whether the implicated official will be asked to step aside to pave the way for the investigation as is usually the case in governance circles, FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda said: “It is not good to issue judgement on people when their cases have not yet been investigated. Let us not be judgemental in this case.”
extremely serious and
worrying. | Nation
However, he said he could not competently comment on minute details about the issue since it involves FAM’s Board.
But Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka said it would be ideal if FAM partnered the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), who should institute an independent investigation into the matter.
“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,” he said.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, FAM says it has taken serious noteof the sexual misconduct allegations and has launched investigations into the matter.
Reads the statement: “FAM has 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. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
Meanwhile, posting on his Facebook page, Malawi National Council of Sports 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!”
Zambian publication BolaNews, which broke the news about the alleged sexual abuse, reported that the alleged victim has submitted a detailed report to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) after the council contacted her.
When asked about the development, Cosafa administrator and safeguarding officer Nobuhle Masuku said: “This is a private and confidential matter. We have to protect the victim.”
In a separate interview yesterday, the alleged victim said:“I do not want to talk to any media outlet about anything to do with this issue.”
