Mapa bans teams, officials for match fixing

The Malawi Pool Association (Mapa) has banned two Central Region teams, some officials and players after finding them guilty of being involved in acts of match fixing in a Central Region Pool League (CRPL).

Mapa general secretary Saulos Thindwa confirmed that following investigations into the game between Sunset and Siege pool teams, it was established beyond reasonable doubt that they were acts of match fixing

Both teams were slapped with K10 000 (about $25) fines each for their involvement.

Sunset were also disqualified from the competition by nullifying all their games. Siege were also found guilty of failing to report the malpractice.

Mapa has also banned chairperson of the CRPL, Robert Gama, for two years having been found guilty of giving money to Siege players, which amounted to match fixing.

Three players—Herbert Thumpwa, Alex Banda and Jonathan Butao were each slapped with a one-year ban having been found guilty of receiving money to fix the game.

However, the trio could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

“After taking into consideration all factors that needed to be looked into, the committee was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that money was offered and received to influence the outcome of the game between the two teams,” reads part of the statement signed by Thindwa.

The Mapa disciplinary body also agreed that any repeat of the same act will lead to life bans for all the involved players and officials.

“Issues of match fixing are very sensitive and must be dealt with in strongest terms to completely eradicate it from our beautiful game. It is only fair for teams to win the games or championship in a very honest manner that depicts pool professionalism.

“Mapa will not tolerate such kind of malpractice hence it is totally in support of the ban imposed on the implicated officials and players. It is very unfair for officials at the highest regional order to be involved in match fixing matters. Obviously, it does not paint a good picture and the integrity of the individuals involved and their involvement in the game,” stated Thindwa.

He added: “Mapa is therefore sending a very strong warning to other leagues that might have been indulging in similar manner but were not exposed to take extra caution. We are also appealing to all our affiliates to report match fixing allegations to relevant authorities in their respective regions as long as they have strong proven evidence.”

The disciplinary body was chaired by Rashid Ntelera and the members included Thindwa and Bob Jafali.