Big 3 threaten to boycott FAM cups

Super League giants Be Forward Wanderers, Silver Strikers and Nyasa Big Bullets have threatened to boycott cup competitions sanctioned by Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

The threat comes after FAM fined the clubs for various offences in Airtel Top 8 without summoning them to a disciplinary hearing.

The Nomads were fined K850 000 after three of their supporters invaded the pitch at half-time and one of them was seen urinating at the goal post during the semi-final match against Moyale Barracks at Bingu National Stadium.

Moyale were fined K300 000 for invading the pitch to remove some objects placed on the goal by the Nomads supporters.

Silver were fined K300 000 for refusing to use designated entry points into the stadium during their match against Kamuzu Barracks.

Bullets were slapped with a K450 000 fine for denying Silver a chance to train at Mulanje Park on the eve of their quarter-final second leg against the Bankers.

But in a joint statement signed by general secretaries of the three teams, Mike Butao (Wanderers), Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda (Silver) and Albert Chigoga (Bullets), the clubs have threatened to stop participating in cup competitions, accusing FAM of behaving like a bully.

Reads the statement from the clubs: “There is a lot going wrong regarding FAM-organised cup games and clubs need to seriously explore pulling out of these competitions and sourcing funding for lucrative bonanzas. We have an organising committee that is an organiser, an accuser and a judge—all in one.

“No club ever wins cases against this committee because in most cases the fault is theirs [FAM] and they cannot accuse themselves, let alone find themselves guilty. So, they transfer the blame to the clubs and make even more money from already cash-depleted clubs [through fines].”

The clubs have also accused FAM of failing to share with them revenue from marketing and broadcasting rights from cup games.

“The FAM organising committee is making more money through clubs than its marketing subcommittee. There is revenue from promotions, television and broadcasting of games and not a single penny has ever trickled to the clubs,” reads the statement.

“FAM needs to treat every stakeholder with respect and as a key participant. But there are some individuals at FAM whose arrogance is killing the game. This comes out clearly during pre-match meetings where club representatives are dictated to and talked down to, one wonders why they invite us in the first place.”

But FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda yesterday ignored the clubs’ statement.

“I will choose to remain quiet on this one,” he said.

However, on Wednesday, Gunda said the clubs are aware of the rules and regulations, but they are opting to ignore them.

FAM competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka warned through an interview with MBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show Sports that the rules and regulations will apply as the Airtel Top 8 reaches the climax tomorrow at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe with a final between Wanderers and Silver.

Butao accused FAM of blaming clubs for the secretariat’s deficiencies.

He said: “Where in the world have you heard of a club being fined because a naked man or a solitary supporter sauntered on to the field of play?”

Chakaka-Nyirenda said: “Nowhere in a civilised world would a club be punished before being heard.” n