Tickets mess refuses to die

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has blamed poor revenue collection during last Saturday’s Charity Shield between Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers at Civo Stadium on Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers hired to provide security.

However, MPS says a racket at FAM secretariat is responsible for the poor revenue.

The Charity Shield was held to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation and to raise funds through gate takings for buying medical supplies for Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH).

Despite a huge turnout, the match grossed K11.4 million (about $17 612) and after paying for all expenses the association is left with a net revenue of K1.5 million (about $2 317) according to a report released by FAM on Thursday.

The report, signed by FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, reads: “There were regrettable security lapses as there were rampant cases of people accessing the stadium freely by jumping over the fence in full view of our security detail. There is strong suspicion that the security might have as well motivated and aided this evil.

“Cordoning was not enforced and was completely abandoned. Despite being reported to our security agents several times, it was surprising that no action was taken to control the situation.”

The report alleges that the police officers were disgruntled because they were told they would be paid their allowances after two days.

“Some security agents openly confessed to FAM officials that they would not commit themselves fully because they could not be paid on the same day and were against the idea of paying them through the bank,” the report reads.

But a police report, signed by Superintendent Clement Mulera accuses FAM secretariat staff and other officials within the association as the ones responsible for the mess.

The police allege that FAM secretariat used an unofficial ticket selling point for the counterfeit tickets which were also discovered during the match.

“It can, therefore, be concluded without fear of contradiction that the mess  that took place on the day of the match was created by FAM, who breached most of  the arrangements made during the pre-match meeting,” concludes the report.

Meanwhile, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Kingsley Dandaula confirmed that the report was authored by the police.

“After every crucial event, we file a report,” he said.

FAM printed 16 150 tickets, of which 15 000 were for open, 1 000 for covered and 150 for VIP stands. n