Sulom hints at cushioning clubs’ expenses

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) is reported to have hinted at cushioning clubs’ expenses should the top-flight league kick off without spectators or with reduced capacity.

Sulom met all the 16 TNM Super League clubs between Thursday and Saturday to get their input as they prepare for the 2020 season which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A source confided that Sulom briefed the clubs on the two options they have come up with.

“The agreement was that Sulom would come up with a statement after all the scheduled three meetings, so I cannot speak on record.

“However, in a nutshell they said the worst scenario will be to restart without spectators while the best option will be to resume with reduced capacity and strict preventive measures such as social distancing and other hygiene requirements,” the source said.

The source said the clubs also asked Sulom if it is prepared to cushion their operational costs.

“And in response Sulom hinted at meeting match organisation and operational costs based on club licensing, but they did not say how much they will give out,” he said.

The source also said some clubs suggested that the subvention should be based on the records the league runners have.

“In this aspect, the argument was that the clubs cannot get the same amount because their respective financial expenditures are not the same,” the source said.

Sulom president Tiya Somba-Banda was not available for comment yesterday, but he was quoted by Times Radio as having described the meetings as fruitful.

He said: “The clubs enlightened us on areas that we kind of overlooked as we prepare for a restart.”

The Sulom president also said they discussed the options that are there and the possible effects.

The TNM Super League was initially scheduled to kick off on March 21. n