FAM, NRC say they have evidence of match-fixing

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the National Referees Committee (NRC) say they have evidence of match fixing involving clubs in the country.

The revelation was made on Saturday in Lilongwe when FAM presented Fifa badges to referees from the Centre and North who have made it on Fifa list.

Chairperson of referees sub-committee at FAM, James Mwenda, said clubs are at the forefront of accusing referees of biased officiation yet they entice the referees with money.

“We are aware of what is happening and have information on many approaches some clubs have made to fix matches by offering money to referees. We are warning clubs to desist from this behaviour,” said Mwenda.

He said Fifa and FAM condemn match-fixing. He said FAM will act to punish the teams once investigations are complete.

“Match-fixing brings the game of football into disrepute and undeserving teams get the honours. This is cheating and must not be tolerated,” he said.

NRC general secretary Chris Kalichero said the clubs implicated have not yet been punished because the available evidence is circumstantial.

“We have names of coaches who have been used by the executive committees to entice referees with money ranging from K40 000 ($100). Though strong it is still circumstantial that’s why we did not act, but we are still working on more evidence. Once we have a tight case, we will appeal to FAM to act,” said Kalichero.

He said clubs take advantage of financial situation of some referees to entice them with money.