Sulom fines Epac, Dedza
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has fined Epac FC K800 000 and Dedza Young Soccer K500 000 for the fracas that erupted during their Super League match at Civo Stadium on December 19.
Epac have been fined K450 000 for failing to control the actions of supporters.
They have also been slapped with another K350 000 for putting the game of football into disrepute.
“On the charge of failure to control the actions of supporters which is contrary to Article 21 (2) of the TNM Super League rules and regulations, Epac is found guilty in that it failed to control its supporters who blocked the entrance into the dressing room thereby preventing players and officials from using the said dressing room.
“On the charge of bringing the game of football into disrepute in contravention of Article 14 of the Sulom constitution as read with Article 21 (16) of Sulom rules and regulations, Epac FC is found guilty as several of its supporters invaded the pitch in celebration of the team’s win,” the verdict from Sulom reads in part.
Dedza Young Soccer Saints have also been fined K500 000 for failing to use the dressing rooms before the game and at half time.
However, the relegated side has been exonerated on the charge of failing to control its supporters.
“On the charge of failure to control the actions of supporters contrary to Article 21 (2) of the TNM Super League Rules and Regulations in that Dedza Young Soccer FC failed to control its supporters who blocked the entrance into the dressing room thereby preventing players and officials from using the dressing room, Dedza Young Soccer FC is totally exonerated on this count.
“Thorough examination of testimonies from both teams and report from the police did not show involvement of Dedza Young Soccer FC supporters in the blocking the entrance of the dressing room.
“On the charge of bringing the game of football into disrepute in contravention of Article 14 of the Sulom constitution as read with Article 21 of Sulom rules and regulations, Dedza Young Soccer F.C. is found guilty of willfully refusing to use the dressing room both before the match and during half time,” the verdict, signed by general secreary Williams Banda, further reads.
The Sulom disciplinary committee convened on December 31 for a disciplinary hearing following disturbances during the game that decided the fate of Dedza Young Soccer and Epac survival in the elite league.
Epac had to come from behind to win 2-1 and survive relegation. n
