While FAM is set to get a relief package from Fifa, other associations have said they are not expecting a similar gesture from their international bodies to cushion them from the negative financial impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Last month, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced that it would use about K350 million funding from Fifa Special Projects that will benefit TNM Super League players and team officials, women’s and second-tier regional league teams as well as elite referees.
But Netball Association of Malawi (NAM), Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) and Volleyball Association of Malawi (VAM) say they are not expecting bailout packages.
Eagles Sisters netball teams in action
Said NAM president Khungekile Matiya: “We do not expect anything from INF [International Netball Federation]. They have not said anything in terms of assisting member associations financially.
“Teams and players have been affected by the current situation. But perhaps because Fifa has a huge financial base from where it can tap relief funds from.”
Basmal general secretary Peter Gomani also sung the same tune, saying: “There has been no such communication from Fiba [International Federation if Basketball Association] on whether member associations will be assisted financially.
“All they have been sending are circulars on guidelines during basketball activities shutdown.”
He said just like other sporting codes, Covid-19 has hit basketball hard “as everything has come to a standstill”.
His VAM counterpart Jairos Nkhoma also said they have not received any communication on Covid-19 grants from FIVB.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) last week said it plans to use its $50 000 (about K37.5 million) annual grants from the World Athletics Federation to bail out athletes from the economic effects of Covid-19.
AAM general secretary Frank Chitembeya said: “Every year we get an annual grant towards our activities, but since all our activities have been halted due to Covid-19, the money will be used to help our athletes through relief packages
