Sulom probes Match fixing
Sulom has hired private investigators to probe match-fixing allegations amid rising cases of controversy during TNM Super League matches.
This comes in the wake of match-fixing accusations against some clubs and referees.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary (GS) Williams Banda yesterday said there have already been some preliminary findings.
“Once the investigations are through and culprits are identified, the law will take its course. We will not shield anyone.”
On what has necessitated the probe, the Sulom GS said: “It’s not match-fixing per se, we just need to find out what actually is not happening in the right way. Is it Sulom, clubs or National Football Referees [Association]? It is aimed at pacifying the football industry.
“Sports brings out the best of us. Honour and fairplay are integral to conduct sporting events and our enjoyment of them.
“Knowing the joy that sports brings to billions and how crooked practices mar the joy, it is only multi-stakeholder approach that can help tackle the threats to protect the integrity of the sport.
“Sadly, corruption, bribery, cheating, lying and violence are becoming common.”
League leaders Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali, whose club has been accused of fixing matches by some teams, welcomed the probe.
He said: “This is a welcome move. This will be a double-edged investigation.
“It will flush out unscrupulous personnel and at the same time clear some individuals and clubs of defamatory and unsupported allegations levelled against them.”
Champions Nyasa Big Bullets, who have also been on the receiving end by their rivals—Mighty Wanderers—also welcomed Sulom’s move.
The club’s chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “We welcome the probe because as a club, we believe in fairplay and professionalism.
“We have no fears and we have no skeletons in our cupboards.”
However, football analyst Charles Nyirenda said: “My preference would be to delegate the matter to an independent party to avoid bias and leniency.
“ACB [Anti-Corruption Bureau] would be well-placed to carry out that task now that we have a new and apparent no-nonsense director in Martha Chizuma.”
Last Saturday, Red Lions walked out in protest against a penalty that was awarded to Silver in the dying minutes and their coach Alick Chirwa accused the officiating personnel of being bribed.
Last month, Wanderers also accused the referee who handled the Blantyre derby against Bullets, Gift Chiko and his assistant Bernedette Kwimbira, of making suspect and dubious decisions and threatened to lodge a complaint with the ACB.
Recently, Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda also accused referees who officiated their match against TN Stars in Kasungu of serving the interests of Silver, who are their fellow title contenders.
