The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has reinstated executive committee member Daudi Mtanthiko.
This follows the completion of his four-month suspension for alleged sexual misconduct that occurred in April this year.
Fam, in a statement issued on Sunday night, said Mtanthiko pleaded guilty to the charge of misconduct while on duty as a Fam Executive Committee member, contrary to Article 55 (1) of the Fam statutes.
“On his own admission, the committee proceeded to give him a sanction of a four-month suspension from all football activities. On the charge of dishonesty, Mr. Mtanthiko was acquitted, as evidence provided confirmed that he did not lie to Fam officials but admitted to have visited the complainant at her room.
“The committee noted that since the accused has been on suspension for a period of over four months, the suspension will apply to the time already served,” the statement reads.
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The matter was referred to the Fam Disciplinary Committee, which is an independent committee of the association, following recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry that was initially set up.
Mtanthiko was suspended to pave the way for the investigations after allegations were made that he made sexual advances on female officials during Malawi Women’s National Football Team friendly matches against South Africa and Zambia.
But Mtanthiko was not readily available for his comment yesterday.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama welcomed the decision from Fam.
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“This has vindicated him and saved him from possible removal from football administration. There was so much talk about this in our football circles as well as the country as a whole. His clearance does not only clear Daudi but also clears Malawi’s image globally. The negativity which was circulating now settles down,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Human Right Commission (MHRC) has said investigations into the matter are in progress.
MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi said in an interview yesterday that investigations would continue despite Mtanthiko being cleared on the matter.
“[We are] not yet [done]. Investigations are still underway,” Chijozi said in a brief response.
MHRC is conducting independent investigations after Fam cleared the official on allegations of sexual misconduct.
Fam had announced that it found no evidence on sexual harassment.
