Sulom’s silence on appeal riles Eagles

Blue Eagles Football Club say they are worried with the silence by the Super League of Malaw (Sulom) on their appeal against their relegation from the top-flight league.

The Lilongwe-based Malawi Police Service outfit was relegated based on head-to-head after tying with Mzuzu-based Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side Moyale Barracks FC on all parameters.

In an interview yesterday, Eagles general secretary Benjamin Msowoya said despite filing their appeal almost a fortnight ago, they have not heard anything from the league runners.

He said: “We are worried that they [Sulom] have not even formally acknowledged receipt of our appeal.

“We are still of the belief that we have a strong case in the absence of head-to-head being used as a tie-breaker in the rules.

“Sulom should come out and inform us where we are on the case.”

Apart from the head-to-head factor, Eagles also complained that they were denied a clear goal against Mafco FC in their last match which they lost 1-2.

But in an interview, Sulom legal adviser Solomon Mchawi acknowledged receipt of Eagles’ appeal.

“The appeal was filed through the secretariat which referred it to me and we should be responding in due course,” he said.

Article 19 of the Sulom Rules and Regulations under format of the league is silent on a tie-breaker in the event that teams tie on points, goals scored and conceded.

Article 19.5 reads: “If at the end of the second round two or more teams equal in points, then goal difference shall determine the winner. A positive goal difference will always take precedence over a negative one.”

Article 19.6 says where the result is still a tie, then the team that has scored most number of goals shall be declared winner.

There are no further provisions beyond that.

Private practice lawyer and football follower David Kanyenda said: “According to the rules, I don’t see head-to-head as a recognised tie-breaker. Blue Eagles and Moyale can’t be separated at all.

“Our rules are not sufficiently deep and adequate to separate the two teams which are locked in a statistical dead-heat.”

He said the best solution would be to let the two teams face off in two-legged play-offs.

The other teams that were relegated were Mchinji-based Extreme FC and MDF side Red Lions of Zomba.