Dedza file injunction extension

Dedza Young  Soccer Saints on Wednesday filed an application to the  High Court in Lilongwe asking for an extension to an injunction stopping the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) from conducting play-offs to identify the 16th team to play in the elite league.

Lawyer for Dedza, Chimwemwe Sikwese, said he has filed the application because  the court has not heard their concerns and Sulom’s defence yet the  injunction, which was obtained last Friday, is expected to expire today.

Said Sikwese: “The injunction is due to expire but our grievances have not been heard. If we don’t seek an extension to the injunction, then what it means is that the play-offs will be re-fixed which will be unfair to Dedza.”

The three day play-offs, to feature teams that were relegated last season; Wizards, Dedza and Airborne Rangers, started last Friday before the injunction.

Dedza sought the court relief arguing that it was supposed to automatically retain Super League status after finishing above the other relegated teams.

It further queries that Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Sulom did not heed their appeal to be heard before the play-offs were fixed.

According to the injunction conditions, Sulom legal team is asked to inform Dedza 48 hours before  making a vacation injunction.

But Sikwese said he has not received the notice from Sulom.

“We have not been served with any notice this far. So, we are not aware whether they have applied for the injunction vacation or not,” he said.

According to him, the hearing for the injunction extension has not been fixed yet.

“The courts are yet to set a date for the extension hearing. The hearing will also involve Sulom legal team which is expected to present their arguments if they do not want the injunction to be extended,” he said.

Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said he was not aware of Dedza’s application for injunction extension.

“What I know is that we are fighting to vacate the injunction and that the process has delayed because the Judge was not around,” he said.

The next Super League season is expected to start mid next month and there are fears that the legal battles would affect the league calendar.

Asked if there could be changes, Banda said: “I think for now we can’t start analysing the implications because our mouths have been shut by the injunction. After the court ruling we will plan the next course of action.”