Clubs risk losing Covid-19 relief funds
Thirteen Super League teams risk missing out on the second chunk of Covid-19 Relief Funds following failure to submit financial reports accounting for the money they got during the first phase.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) indicated that only three teams Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers and TN Stars submitted financial reports.
The clubs that are yet to submit financial reports have until January 31 to redeem themselves or risk losing K5 million each.
This is contained in a statement which Fam secretariat issued and copied to other stakeholders.
Fam Media and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said most clubs were yet to comply with the requirement.
“We have some days left. Let’s hope they will submit their reports with supporting documents. So far Silver Strikers, Nyasa Big Bullets and TN Stars sent us their report on how they used their first chunk.
“The requirement is that teams will only access the second chunk upon producing a satisfactory financial reports on how they used the first one,” he said.
However, Zakazaka said they were yet to get the second allocation from Fifa.
“We are hopeful Fifa will be sending us another chunk as we continue fighting the Covid-19 pandemic amid football restart programme. We are proud to have successfully paid 35 players per club for Super League teams for the past seven months and we hope to continue once Fifa sends us the grant,” he said.
Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga confirmed submitting a detailed financial report to Fam.
“We are so grateful to Fam for the effort made to help teams meet some of their costs amid Covid-19 pandemic. We cannot wait to get the second chunk which we believe will go a mile in helping us,” he said.
Fam, with support from Fifa, started distributing K40,000 to Super League players and officials monthly to cushion the effects of Covid-19.
The association also distributed relief packs to regional and women’s leagues.
The 2020/21 season is currently on a three-week recess following advice from Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19, which further restricted public gathering to 50 people from 100.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.
