Government snubs Fam, turns down request for Flames extra funding

Government has turned down Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) request for extra funding towards the Flames’ 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Zimbabwe and the Cosafa Castle Cup next month.

The Flames will face Zimbabwe Warriors in Harare on June 4, exactly a month from now, before travelling to Namibia for the regional showpiece which will run from June 11 to 25 in Windhoek.

FAM submitted a K108 million ($155 844.16) extra funding request to government through the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) having exhausted its K100 million ($144 300.14) allocation as well as the remaining K100 million sponsorship from Carlsberg Malawi who are Flames’ official sponsors.

“Indeed we are racing against time. We are [currently] courting the corporate world for support and we have just been rebuffed by Sports Council who have categorically told us to look elsewhere.

“Although we only have about three to four weeks to raise funds, we haven’t given up yet and all options are being considered,” he said.

Sports Council executive secretary George Jana could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Ministry of Sports and Culture spokesperson Christopher Mbukwa confirmed the development.

“Yes, it is true. As I said earlier, it becomes difficult to secure extra such funds that were not budgeted for in the first place.

“So, while we understand the importance of the engagements, there is little that can be done,” he said.

But when it was put to him that FAM initially submitted a K300 million plus budget proposal, which was trimmed to K100 million by Sports Council, Mbukwa said: “Then I will have to find out and I will come back to you.”

Nyamilandu said FAM is also planning several cost-cutting measures which will include travelling to Harare by road.