In twists and turns of pure comedy, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Innocent Bottoman has backtracked on his earlier statement regarding the ban imposed on Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers for the Balaka violence.
Last weekend, the Sulom president contradicted his general secretary Williams Banda on the extent of the ban, insisting that it was restricted to the Super League.
However, Bottoman on Wednesday made a U-turn and concurred with Banda that the punishment stretches to any other football activities as ruled by Sulom’s disciplinary committee.
“It was just an oversight on my part because the impression I got at first was that they had been banned from Super League games only,” said Bottoman.
The development means the two teams will not be eligible for the Presidential Cup and the newly introduced Zambezi Challenge Cup. The Bankers could also miss the Carlsberg Cup if it will be held.
They also risk relegation from the top-flight league as they stand to forfeit many games.
Silver were banned for eight months while Wanderers were slapped with a five-month ban. The Bankers were also fined K2.95 million (about $7 375) while the Nomads were fined K700 000 (about $1 750).
However, reacting to the development, Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda said this is confirmation of the frightening levels of incompetence at Sulom.
“Imagine the whole president failed to appreciate the nature and scope of the verdict.
“Reluctantly, we shall appeal merely to exhaust the available avenues of redress within Sulom. Otherwise, unless all our concerns are addressed by the appeals body, this matter has just began and will end at FAM or beyond,” said Kanyenda.
Meanwhile, Sulom has said the clubs have up until 10am today to file their appeals, having been given 72 hours to do so.
Silver have already appealed while Nomads had not done so as we went to press yesterday, Kanyenda insisted they would beat the deadline.
