Malawi National Council of Sports has demanded a comprehensive report from FAM on its alleged support for a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate for the 2019 Presidential Election.
But Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has accused Sports Council of being prejudiced even before starting the investigation.
In a letter dated September 11 2023, signed by acting executive secretary Shepherd Boma, Sports Council demanded the comprehensive report surrounding the association’s involvement through the sponsorship to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV live coverage for the nomination presentation to be submitted by yesterday.
The letter, addressed to FAM general secretary, reads in part: “The areas of concern are as follows: (a) Source of sponsorship money; (b) Why FAM supported a political function (c) Why FAM chose a particular candidate and (d) Who exactly in FAM made the decision [s] above.
“Furthermore, be notified that you will be communicated to answer some questions before a task force to be appointed by the] Sports Council board].
“In addition, take note that this is an administrative investigation for internal decision making towards the matter.”
In an interview yesterday, FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda confirmed receipt of the letter and that they have already responded to council.
He said: “It is unfortunate that they are being accusatory and judgemental even before understanding the facts of what exactly happened and indeed before conducting the investigation.”
Meanwhile, FAM also said in a statement that they are not biased to a particular political party.
Part of FAM’s response reads: “The Football Association of Malawi would like to put it on record that it remains apolitical in all its undertakings. In this regard, FAM has never supported the activities of any political party, grouping or candidate whatsoever.
“We are, therefore, very surprised with the contents of your letter and would like to kindly request you to furnish us with specific particulars of the alleged funding to the Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate activities for your appropriate feedback.”
Sports Council’s move follows an article that appeared in the Malawi News edition of September 9-15 in which the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was quoted as having confirmed launching an investigation into the matter.
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