‘Athletics pair not running association’
Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has disclosed that two Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) officials whose ban was lifted are not involved in the running of athletics events.
MNCS Public Relations and Communications Edgar Ntulumbwa said this ahead of Sunday’s Mzuzu City Half Marathon.
“We have an operations committee that is on the ground handling such activities. The two are there to offer support and show their solidarity. As earlier communicated, the ban was lifted to enable the two to be involved in athletics matters including campaigning for executive decisions.
“The lifting of the ban does not mean that they were reinstated nor does it mean that the committee was re-established,” he said.
Phiri and Chitembeya were banned from taking part in athletics activities after defying Sports Council’s advice to amend their body’s constitution.
Chitembeya was also accused of using Malawi’s emblems and logos without consent.
In a statement released on Sunday February 26, MNCS Board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said that they received letters of apology from the two officials, hence the decision to lift the ban. “Yesterday [February 25], at the National cross-country event held in Mzuzu, the two former officials also apologised to the council.
“Noting that the two former officials have demonstrated remorse and that their apologies were unequivocal and contrite, the Malawi National Council of Sports has accepted their apologies and has, pursuant to its statutory authority to regulate and control sports in Malawi, lifted the ban it had imposed on them forthwith,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Phiri said together with Chitembeya they will be present at the Mzuzu City Half Marathon.
“There is nothing we can talk about because the issues were resolved and now we are united,” he said.
