FAM, Wanderers clash over duo

Football Association of Malawi has threatened to clear as free agents Innocent Jere and Alfred Manyozo Junior if their employers, Mighty Wanderers, keep on delaying Botswana side Uniao Flamengo (UF) Santos’ demand for copies of the duo’s contracts.

Santos demanded the copies before the August 31 2012 deadline for players’ transfer window but, according to FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda, Wanderers were not able to issue them.

Nyirenda said they were torn between doing justice to the players’ careers and ensuring that Nomads get a fee. A normal transaction would entail Wanderers giving FAM the nod to issue the international transfer certificate (ITC) done online.

“Wanderers are putting us in an awkward position as the players are still in Botswana and their careers are at stake. We might be tempted to release them as free agents if Wanderers fail to produce copies of the contracts,” said Nyirenda.

“We have always advocated for teams to sign their players on contracts. Currently, what the players sign are mere forms for identity cards. It is a pity that we are trying to move forward with our football but out clubs simply cannot move with times.”

In reaction, Wanderers’ general secretary David Kanyenda on Thursday insisted that FAM must not poke its nose in the transfer affairs.

“Neither club has appointed FAM CEO to act as its spokesperson in the deal. Once all, outstanding issues are resolved and the transfer has been concluded you will be informed…We question propriety of FAM CEO to leak information purportedly stalling the deal yet his office is not privy to negotiations,” said Kanyenda.

But Nyirenda said Santos wanted Wanderers to issue the copies of the contracts before the closure of the August 31 2012 transfer window.

The Nation was unable to talk to Santos, let alone the duo. Township Rollers’ Malawian midfielder Lawrence Majawa on Thursday said: “Santos are waiting for FAM and Sulom’s stamp on some document to finalise the transfer.”

At the start of last season, the Super League of Malawi issued clubs a code of conduct for players and also a dummy of contracts for use by the teams.