Clubs query FAM deadline
The bulk of TNM Super League clubs have queried the Saturday deadline set by FAM to pay K3 million licensing fee or risk not being registered for the 2022 season.
The deadline comes two weeks before the set February 26 season kick off date.
As of yesterday, only Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit Silver Strikers had paid the now harmonised fee, which includes the league’s affiliation and competitions’ fees.
But with three days before the cut-off point, most of the clubs, especially those that do not have sponsorship, have appealed for a grace period.
Ekwendeni Hammers patron Gift Mkandawire yesterday said: “As I said earlier on, we are not like Silver Strikers who sit on money. We do not have sponsorship and we depend on well-wishers. They [FAM] need to be considerate and give us ample time.”
Karonga United general secretary (GS) Ramzey Simwaka said they were still hunting for funds.
He said: “But if we do not source the money, then we’ll not force matters as we have no options.”
On his part, newly-promoted Dedza Dynamos GS Mavuto Mugode and Mighty Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika also appealed for an extension of the deadline.
Said Mugode: “Self-sponsored teams like ours will have a lot of problems. There are just a lot of things to be done.
“At least if they had extended the deadline for payment, the better.”
Alufandika said: “It is not easy for a team that has no sponsorship to source K3 million just like that. FAM needs to be understanding and perhaps create room for instalment payment, otherwise it will be really tough for some of us.”
Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said while they are ready to comply, the enforcement should not be at ‘gun point’.
He said: “They should not be bulldozing as is the case. And since most of the things to do with club licensing are being rushed, FAM needs to extend the deadline to enable clubs to pay.”
Civil Service United general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said they might not meet the deadline as they are yet to get their next quarterly funding.
He said: “We know it’s an obligation, but there is a possibility that we might delay, but in the event that we find money, we’ll pay them.”
However, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale doubted the possibility of extending the deadline, considering the time factor.
He said: “It is a condition for granting license and the clubs are aware. We had seminars in Central and Southern regions recently where the issue of licensing fee was covered at length and the teams understood.
“So, we are optimistic that they will pay because we do not have much time.”
Football analyst George Kaudza Masina said the harmonised fee of K3 million is justified.
He said: “Some clubs might look at the figure to be on the higher side, but running a league is not cheap either.
“Participating in an elite league requires resources and complaining of the harmonised fee just shows how unprepared the clubs might be.”
On the set deadline, Kaudza Masina said it is also in order considering that the league will be kicking off in the next two weeks.
“What has to be borne in mind is that FAM and Sulom will undertake administrative logistics using part of the same fee.
“However, that FAM and Sulom will not register teams which will fail to pay, is the usual song. These two bodies are good at giving ultimatums which, unfortunately, they don’t enforce.
“If FAM and Sulom were serious with club licensing, no team could have been owing them money.” “Being a new season, let us wait and see how serious they are going to be this time around. But this is just another empty threat.”
