Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has lived up to its word after releasing K1 million Club Licencing surety to nine clubs following an appeal for support.
Fam softened its stance after the football calendar was temporarily suspended due to coronavirus pandemic currently haunting the world.
Following the decision to release back club licencing surety back to the clubs, giants Be Forward Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets are among nine teams that applied for the release of the surety and they have been paid back.
TN Stars, Mzuzu Warriors (Mzuni), Kamuzu Barracks, Red Lions, Civo Service United and Blue Eagles received their cut following their request.
Silver Strikers, Ntopwa, Mafco, Mighty Tigers, Chitipa United and Karonga United did not receive their cut. It is not known whether all the clubs paid their surety.
Both Football Association of Malawi (Fam) General Secretary Alfred Gunda and Director of Finance Christopher M’dolo confirmed the development.
Gunda said Fam demonstrated it was concerned with the welfare of clubs in the country.
“We have paid all the teams who applied for the reimbursement of the money. By close of business on Thursday Fam had already effected the transfers to all the teams,” said the Fam GS.
In a separate interview M’dolo confirmed making deposits into the teams accounts on Thursday.
“We paid them all and you can also confirm with the teams,” he said.
Meanwhile, Be Forward Wanderers General Secretary Victor Maunde confirmed having received the money from Fam.
“We got our K1 million surety back as you are aware Covid-19 has really affected us just like any other team in the country and it will help us at least sort one or two things at the club,” Maunde said.
However, TN Stars Chief Executive Officer Jones Banda said they were yet to receive their surety.
“We indeed applied for the refund of our surety. As of today our account is not showing any transaction showing that money has been transferred. We will acknowledge receipt once we get a notification,” Banda said.
Similarly, Chitipa General Secretary Marshall Mwenyechanya said they were still waiting for their surety.
“Honestly speaking we haven’t received any money. Much as we wanted the money but it is not there. We wanted to settle outstanding balances which we have with some of our players. Maybe the delay has been caused by some logistical delays in the banking sector,” Mwenyechanya said.
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.
