FAM threatens to withhold BT Zero’s prize

Football Association of Malawi has threatened to withhold Presidential Women Football Championship prize money from Blantyre Zero for alleged unprofessional conduct during the national finals at Chiwembe ground on Sunday.

According to FAM marketing manager Casper Jangale, the team is being asked to apologise.

After their 4-2 defeat to DD Sunshine in the finals, Blantyre Zero players allegedly accused FAM of plotting their downfall, claiming Jangale celebrated each time DD Sunshine scored during the game.

Blantyre Zero senior player Maggie Chombo-Sadiki said being a FAM official, Jangale was not supposed to celebrate with either side during the finals.

But this, and Blantyre Zero’s alleged verbal assault on Ntopwa Super Queens owner Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman, who accused the side’s supporters of deflating his car tyre, angered Jangale to the point that he threatened to withhold the team’s K750 000 (about $3 000) runners-up prize until they offer an official apology to the association.

“Their (Blantyre Zero’s) cheque will not be signed until they apologise for what they did. A football match is not a funeral where one should be restricted from celebrating,” said Jangale.

Blantyre Zero coach Abel Mkandawire said they would do whatever FAM will tell them to do.