Flames miss out on Afcon benefits
As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off today, it must be noted that the Flames have missed out an opportunity to compete for the $2 million [about K690 million] ultimate prize.
Two of the three teams from the Cosafa bloc, hosts South Africa and Angola, start their campaigns against Cape Verde and Morocco respectively whereas Zambia’s Chipolopolo will start theirs against Ethiopia on Monday.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) first vice-president Moses Mkandawire, who also heads the association’s technical subcommittee, admitted that apart from exposure, the Flames have missed out on financial benefits.
For the umpteenth time, the Flames will not be part of the African football showcase having been booted out at the last hurdle by Ghana’s Black Stars 3-0 on aggregate.
The Flames have also missed out on the appearance fee.
According to Article 94.6 of the tournament’s regulations, apart from the prize money, the champions get 12 percent of the proceeds from merchandising and symbol exploitation rights whereas runners-up get 11 percent.
Losing semi-finalists share 8.5 percent while six percent is shared among losing quarter-finalists.
The four teams that are classified third in the group stages get five percent whereas those that will finish last in the group stages share four percent of the proceeds.
“The tournament also provides the platform for players to showcase their talent to the global audience and our players have missed an opportunity to be spotted by scouts from across the world,” said Mkandawire.
