FAM takes affiliates to task over politics

FAM is reported to have confronted some of its affiliates’ committee members over alleged involvement in politics.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed encountering Southern Region Football Committee (SRFC) and Central Region Football Committee (CRFC) for alleged involvement of some of their senior members in active politics.

However, CRFC Austin Ajawa has been cleared as it could not be proved that he is involved in active politics whereas SRFC general secretary Lyson-Gowa Banda might be asked to step down.

“Our [FAM] constitution stipulates that every member shall be bound by and submit to the statutes, rules and regulations and one of them is not to be involved in politics.

“So, we do not want to interfere with the running of the affiliates, but we have asked them [SRFC] to address the issue. It is a question of interpreting the constitution.

“As for the CRFL member, we took it up and after conducting investigations, it was established that he does not hold any position in the party that he was alleged to be serving,” said Nyirenda.

SRFC chairperson Raphael Humba said they are aware of their GS’s intention to contest for a seat in Salima Central Constituency.

“We have evidence, but out of respect and procedure, we are giving him time to come out on his own and explain his position because he was a dedicated member, but has been inactive for sometime,” said Humba.

He also said in the event that Gowa-Banda does come out to explain his position, the committee will ask him to step down.

Gowa-Banda confirmed being interested to contest in the parliamentary race.

“It is not a secret and as for my position, I am planning to resign,” said Gowa-Banda who has launched a K500 000 (about $1 250) football tournament in the constituency.

“I want to become an MP and one of the reasons is to advance the interests of sports,” he said.