FIFA fines Malawian
The world football governing body Fifa has fined Malawi’s international attacking midfielder Chawanangwa Kaonga $48 062.31 (about K36 million) as compensation to Mozambique top-flight league club Costa do Sol for breach of contract.
Fifa’s dispute resolution chamber ruling states that his current club, South Africa’s second-tier league side TS Sporting, is jointly liable for the fine.
Kaonga and Sporting have been ordered to pay the fine within 45 days from the time Costa Do Sol notifies them of the relevant bank details, failing which, Kaonga shall be restricted from playing official matches, including Flames’ encounters, for a maximum of six months.
Reads part of the ruling signed by the chamber’s chief legal and compliance officer Emilio Garcia Silvero: “The claim of the claimant [Costa do Sol] is partially accepted. The first respondent [Kaonga] has to pay to the claimant $48 062.31 as compensation for breach of contract without cause. Second respondent [Sporting] is jointly and severally liable for the payment to the claimant of the amount mentioned above.”
“In the event that the amount due is not paid by the respondents within 45 days, [Kaonga] shall be restricted from playing on official matches up until the due amount is paid, and for the maximum duration of six months.”
As for Sporting, the ruling states that failure to abide by the order will lead to a ban from registering any new players, nationally or internationally, up until the amount is duly paid and for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods.
Costa do Sol sought Fifa’s intervention following a transfer dispute that ensued after the Flames’ forward joined Sporting for a two-year contract from January this year despite the Mozambican side claiming he had already signed a deal with them last year before moving to South Africa.
Then, Kaonga had just helped Costa do Sol to end their 12-year league title drought as he scored 10 goals, including a brace in their 4-2 victory over rivals UD Songo in a decisive encounter.
When asked for his reaction, Kaonga yesterday said he will wait for his club to enlighten him on the way forward.
“At present, I have not seen the ruling but I have just been notified. Nevertheless, I will wait for my club to enlighten me on the way forward,” he said.
Kaonga’s representative Lufuno Patience Ramarumo was yesterday not available to comment on the reason they took a risk by letting the player breach the contract.
Flames’ coach Meke Mwase expressed concern over the development, saying Kaonga’s potential six-month ban might affect the national football team, which is already struggling to cope with players’ fitness levels due to Covid-19 impact.
“Kaonga has been active in South Africa and he is one of the players that might help us in our next international games in March. A ban will be a big setback,” said the coach, adding that he felt Kaonga did not deserve such stiff punishment but the South African club.
So far, Kaonga has played three league matches and one cup game for Sporting this season. He has a single cup goal.
