Ministry suspends new stadium guidelines
Ministry of Youth and Sports has put on hold implementation of new stadium hiring regulations which required clubs to pay for match organisation costs such as maintenance, utility bills and staff allowances.
The development follows concerns raised by some Blantyre-based clubs that the regulations were introduced midway the season and without consultations.
A letter signed by Kamuzu Stadium manager Irene Mkoko says while the ministry initiated the move, the process was still undergoing consultation.
Reads the letter in part: “I write to clarify the above matter following your letter dated 7th June, 2024 titled: Signing of hiring conditions without charges contract.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports indeed initiated the process of revising hiring conditions for government sports facilities to address challenges the facilities and stakeholders are facing and also to improve sports service delivery.
“The conditions that were sent to you were just part of the draft document which was being sent to stakeholders for consultation. Kamuzu Stadium decided to engage all its users to give input into the draft document before it was shared with other stakeholders.”
Mkoko has since advised the clubs to disregard the revised regulations.
“The stadium appreciates the concerns raised in your letter and will use the information to review the draft document for further engagement.
“I, therefore, advise you to disregard implementation of the hiring conditions at this moment. The ministry will be engaging you in due course on the matter,” the letter further reads.
Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale also confirmed the development, saying: “The revised hiring regulations have not been implemented yet. The ministry is still making consultations with stakeholders.”
FCB Nyasa Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga, who was one of the signatories of the letter from the clubs, thanked the ministry for the response.
He said: “Yes, they have responded to our letter. The ministry has heard our concerns.
“The communication to the clubs was supposed to be the consultation [process] according to the response letter we got and not necessarily ordering us to take responsibility which was earlier cited in the letter. So, we understood everything.”
The revised regulations stated that costs of cleaning materials, workers’ allowances and utility bills, would be deducted from gate revenue.
Facilities which were earmarked included Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe and Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, which are under the ministry, Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, which is under the Office of the President and Cabinet as well as Kasungu, Rumphi, Mulanje, Dedza, Karonga and Mzuzu stadiums which are under local councils.
But Blantyre-based Super League clubs FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Mighty Waka Waka Tigers and Bangwe All Stars as well as Southern Region Football Association ThumbsUp League side Ntopwa FC, who use Kamuzu Stadium, petitioned the ministry to reconsider the decision.
Once the regulations are implemented, stadium owners will now conduct asset registry to confirm condition of the facility before handover to clubs.
Any damages caused during the match shall be the responsibility of the clubs who will be required to repair them within seven days.
After the match, clubs will also be responsible for cleaning of the stadium to restore its condition.
