Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has imposed a 12-month ban on Mafco player Innocent Kafunda for confronting and assaulting match officials during a Castel Challenge Cup round-of-16 match against Bangwe All Stars at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on November 29 last year.
Mafco have also been slapped with a K500,000 fine for failing to take precautions to prevent their player from displaying unsporting behaviour, contrary to Articles 24.1 and 24.12 of the 2023 Castel Challenge Cup Rules and Regulations.
Fam leveled charges against Mafco and Kafunda on December 12 last year.
According to Fam’s determination of the matter, Mafco and Kafunda were given 48 hours upon receipt of the charge letter to respond but failed to do so.
“Mr Innocent Kafunda was found guilty of confronting the 1st assistant referee and assaulting the 4th official at the end of the said match contrary to Article 24.12 of the Castle Challenge Cup Rules and Regulations. Mr Kafunda is hereby banned from all football activities for a period of 12 months effective 8th February 2024.
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“Any party not satisfied with decision has the right to appeal to the Fam Disciplinary Committee within 72 hours of receiving this letter and upon payment of K800,000 as per Article 15.2 of the Castel Challenge Cup Rules and Regulations,” the determination, dated February 8 and signed by Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda, reads.
Mafco General Secretary Mike Uzale said they have accepted the determination of the matter.
“We have accepted the determination and we will not appeal,” Uzale said.
Uzale said they will take necessary disciplinary measures against Kafunda.
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“He is our player and we will discipline him accordingly. We will do this for the good of the game. We just have to accept wrong-doing and look forward to the upcoming season,” he said.
Mafco reached the final of the FDH Bank Cup and Airtel Top 8, losing to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on both occasions.
