Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has barred Civo and Mzuzu stadiums from hosting elite matches due to their poor state.
In a statement released last night, Fam indicated that the ban is with immediate effect.
“The matches include the Super League and knockout competitions’ national phase,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, the development comes after Fam instituted inspections on July 27 at Civo and July 28 at Mzuzu, which highlighted a number of shortfalls on the two facilities.
“As for Mzuzu Stadium, the report highlights the following: poor state of the pitch, official authorised capacity not known, poor players’ tunnel, missing condition of perimeter fence, poor dressing rooms, no public address system, dilapidated scoreboard etc. technical benches, poor
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“For Civo Stadium, the main highlights are non-functional public toilets, official authorised capacity not known, non-functional public address system, poor condition of perimeter fence and lack of a scoreboard, among others,” it adds.
The statement indicates that authorities for both stadiums have been notified about Fam’s position and the urgent nature of the situation at hand.
The banning of the two venues is not surprising as most stakeholders, notably Silver Strikers Coach Pieter de Jongh and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers mentor Mark Harrison, have been condemning the two grounds.
The Silver boss mocked Mzuzu, saying even his dog can refuse to play on it while Harrison said authorities who inspected the venue must have been blind.
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Ironically, Moyale Barracks Coach Nicholas Mhango said Mzuzu was one of the best football venues in the country.
Meanwhile, Super League of Malawi General Secretary Williams Banda has said they are aware of the development.
Banda said they will consult clubs on their alternative venues.
“Normally, clubs select two venues for home games. As it is, we will ask them to select their next venue. However, this move will have financial repercussions.
“For instance, the option for Mzuzu is Rumphi Stadium while for Civo Stadium, the options are Kasungu, Dedza and Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa,” he said.
