Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Company Secretary Chancy Gondwe has attracted the wrath of the Football Association of Malawi (Fam) following his comments in the media after the Lali Lubani road outfit was penalised.
It is alleged that Gondwe made remarks demeaning members of the Fam Competitions Committee, which determined that Wanderers had lost their match against Silver Strikers.
According to a letter, dated September 29 2023, Gondwe has been charged with three counts in respect of his conduct in the media in reaction to the committee’s determination on the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal match between Silver and Wanderers played on September 23 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Wanderers Legal Adviser has been charged with insulting Fam officials in social media, contrary to article 22.15 of the 2023 Airtel Top Rules and Regulations and article 13.2 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code.
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Secondly, Gondwe has been charged with inciting hatred, contrary to Article 53 of the Fam Disciplinary Code and Article 14.4 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code
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Gondwe has also been charged with bringing the name of the sponsor, Fam and the game of football into disrepute, contrary to Article 22.17 of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 Rules and Regulations.
Gondwe said this was another intimidatory tactic coming from a bunch of people who are drunk with power.
“May be it’s high time we started a fair debate on the achievements of some of these members who have overstayed in our football governance. All this is aimed at stifling my freedom of speech, expression and opinion.
“These issues are now beyond that committee as they border on my constitutional rights which are protected under sections 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution. Should I fear them? Should I not express myself? Should I not express my opinions for fear of being sanctioned?” Gondwe asked.
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He said his expectation was that Fam and the competitions committee would have been the first ones to defend him on freedom of expression.
“Jose Mourinho even defended Paul Scholes’ right to express an opinion as ‘freedom of speech’ after the Manchester United legend called Jose Mourinho embarrassing,” he said.
Fam Competitions Committee ordered Wanderers to pay about K22 million to cover for repairs at BNS.
Wanderers were fined about K2 million for bringing the game of football, Fam and sponsor, in disrepute.
The side was also fined K500,000 for causing the abandonment of the match
