Sulom takes over gate ticketing
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it has taken over ticketing and gate management for all TNM Super League matches following cases of gate revenue fraud and theft.
Sulom president Tiya Somba Banda said in an interview yesterday that clubs will no longer be involved in ticket management.
He said: “Well, it’s unfortunate that people entrusted to run the game are the ones taking advantage of the system. People and football had started embracing advanced ticketing, but now with these revelations Sulom will now be in full control of all the ticket management with tight control procedures to mitigate any risk of pilferage.”
Nyasa Big Bullets accountant Jeremiah Mwagomba allegedly attempted to force gate management firm Glory Gate Management to under declare revenue from a match between Bullets and Mighty Wakawaka Tigers, which grossed K10.8 million, by K800 000.
But Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said he was not aware of the league runners’ decision.
He said: “We are yet to be advised, but Sulom should engage the clubs before making such decisions. We have made some strides, including pre-sale of tickets which our supporters were getting used to.”
Nyirenda implored Sulom to reverse the decision, saying it will only worsen the situation.
He said: “As a club, we are totally against the idea of Sulom taking over the sale of tickets. We have put strong security protocols which are assisting to curb fraud and theft.
“The problem is not pre-sale of tickets. It’s match day ticket sales that are a problem. So, if Sulom wants to take over and kill pre-sales then they should know that cartels will smile.”
“They should reconsider their decision because as a club, we have shown that we will not tolerate or shield anyone found engaging in this malpractice.”
The latest gate revenue pilferage incident comes barely two weeks after Blantyre senior resident magistrate Akya Mwanyongo convicted and fined four gate cashiers K150 000 each after finding them guilty of stealing proceeds from gate collections.
Meanwhile, Malawi National Council of Sports has formed a task force to investigate the incidents and come up with recommendations by August 30.
