The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has rebuffed TNM plc and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) on the use of exclusive arrangement on the implementation of e-ticketing solution for TNM Super League matches.
This comes after the league sponsors applied for the exclusive use of TNM Mpamba Debt Card as the only means of paying for matches in the elite league.
In its determination, released Wednesday, the and Sulom to implement the e-ticketing solution together with physical tickets for a period of six months. commission has ordered TNM
“The parties should, within one year from the date of the determination, open the e-ticketing solution to other financial /payment service providers to ensure interoperability,” the determination, made by CFTC Chief Executive Officer Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma, reads.
In addition, the commission has ordered TNM and Sulom to sensitise stakeholders to issues related to the project.
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“The parties should conduct [an] awareness campaign to educate the football clubs, football supporters and gate managers on the provision of e-ticketing solution during the period [stated] above,” it further reads.
The commission has also ordered the parties to comply with the orders.
“The parties should, within every 90 days for the next two years, provide to the commission [with] verifiable evidence of compliance with orders [made] above,” the statement reads.
According to the commission, the use of Mpamba Debit Card will not only affect football fans who use other payment solutions but other market players, too.
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“The arrangement can potentially restrict access to competing payment service providers, which could in turn lock them out of significant market segment,” the statement reads.
The commission also says making the sale of tickets to Mpamba exclusive will limit consumer choice.
“The arrangement will restrict consumers from purchasing tickets using preferred mobile money platforms. This transaction can potentially lessen competition in the relevant market,” it further reads.
TNM Marketing Director Sobhuza Ngwenya said he had not received official communication from CFTC on the matter.
“I will only comment when I get official communication,” Ngwenya said.
Sulom President Gilbert Mittawa had not responded to our questionnaire as we went to press Wednesday.
