Regional leagues kick-off uncertain
The Central Region Football League (CRFL) has said it cannot kick off unless it gets clarification from FAM on the criteria to be used to come up with one regional committee as proposed by Fifa.
Fifa proposed amendments to Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) constitution to dissolve the regional committees and leagues, and instead, have a single regional body.
On the other hand, the Southern Region Football League (SRFL) has said it is still in doubt as regards the sponsorship following the expiry of the three-year agreement with Peter Mutharika. The Northern Region Football League (NRFL) is still waiting for the sponsor on the issue of last season’s prizes and kick-off date for next season.
“Before we can start the league, we want Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to outline the criterion that will be used to merge the regional league and committees because there are reports that people will just be put into positions which would be a very unfortunate scenario.
“If the reports are indeed true, then that is not on because FAM will be imposing people. Clubs should be left to elect people that they want,” said CRFL chairperson Dini Josaya-Banda.
“We want an assurance from FAM on how it will be done; otherwise, we are ready to kick off the league. Actually, the sponsor [Chipiku] made a commitment and all that remains is to get in touch with them to discuss the issue of the package because they did indicate that they would increase,” he said.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said it will not be proper to put the leagues on hold because of the constitutional issue because it is an ongoing process.
“The constitutional review started in 2009 and could take time before it is ratified and adopted. There are steps that will be taken; therefore, the leagues cannot be put on hold. As per our calendar of events, the season was supposed to run from April to December and we have now entered May,” said Nyirenda.
He said it is the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that will determine the criteria of coming up with the new regional bodies.
SRFL chairperson Trouble Kalua said their current hitch is sponsorship.
He said his belief is that there will be elections for the regional bodies that have been proposed by Fifa.
“Our immediate concern is the issue of sponsorship because the agreement with Prof. Mutharika has expired, but we are still tied to them because we had hoped that we would hear their side on whether they would want to carry on,” said Kalua.
Kalua, however, said they approached a number of potential sponsors and they are waiting for feedback.
NRFL vice-general secretary Aubrey Shawa said they are also yet to agree on the kick-off date.
“We are still waiting for the sponsor, Simama General Dealers, on prize presentation ceremony because we communicate to the sponsor through FAM,” said Shawa.
On the constitutional issue, Shawa said: “It is a bit complicated, but I do not think it will be reasonable for us to delay the kick-off. The changes can be done at anytime provided there are proper handovers.”
