Nomads threaten to boycott Sulom games
But the flagship football league governing body has said it will not be intimidated by the Nomads’ threat.
The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) instituted a commission of inquiry following a report carried by The Daily Times alleging that the Bankers’ general secretary Owen Munthali and executive committee member Martin Chibweya conspired with Jose to influence the results of their last season decisive TNM Super League match against Escom United. Silver won the game 1-0 to win the championship.
According to a letter signed by general secretary and legal adviser David Kanyenda addressed to the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), the Nomads are not prepared to take part in the league unless the issue is satisfactorily resolved.
“In our view, the league cannot start before the conclusion of this matter [and] we believe that this view is shared by other teams.
“How can any reasonable team participate in the league and play Silver Strikers in the wake of the outstanding match-fixing allegations? Therefore, we expect your office to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly investigated,†reads part of the letter dated April 22.
The Nomads also claim that the investigative process has so far not been transparent as they would have expected.
“In order to guarantee fairness, accountability and transparency, public hearings ought to have been conducted.
“Further the composition of the committee investigating the said allegations must be divulged [and] justice must not only be done, [but] it must also be seen to be done,†the letter further reads.
The Nomads also stated that should the allegations be proved to be true, they expect the concerned parties to be punished.
“In Italy, teams that were involved in match-fixing were relegated and the title was also rewarded to teams that finished below those involved in match-fixing. Further, the officials received life bans.
“We would therefore expect you to follow similar approach in the event that the allegations are proved to be true,†the letter further reads.
Wanderers also stated that they await to be informed of the outcome of the inquiry before the league kicks off.
“Failing which we shall, mobilise other Super League teams to jointly petition other competent and higher authorities [FAM, CAF and Fifa] to address the matter,†stated the Nomads.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda on Monday confirmed receiving the letter from Wanderers, but was quick to point out that the matter is still under investigation.
“It is their [Wanderers] right to express concern on the matter, but I can assure the general public that we understand the urgency of the matter and we have a commission that is currently doing its work and anyone with information [or] ready to testify, is welcome.
“We are never pushed, we will work at our own pace for the sake of justice, evidence transparency and accountability. We cannot be threatened, mind you this issue involves contact and dialogue,†said Banda.
He also said the investigations are at an advanced stage.
