TNM Super League giants have expressed mixed views to key amendments made to the Laws of The Game.
The rules will take effect, and be applied, from the second round.
This follows a statement from Football Association of Malawi (Fam) on Wednesday, when it indicated that the adjustments were intended to improve fairness, enhance the flow of play and ensure alignment with Fifa standards.
Among other things, goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds of gaining possession. Failure to do so will result in a corner kick for the opposing team.
The amended laws state that only team captains can approach referees to dispute or discuss decisions.
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The other key amendment is on penalties and states that accidental double-touches during penalty kicks will result in a retake, while deliberate double-touches will culminate in the awarding of an indirect free kick to the defending team.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Panganeni Ndovi said amending the laws in mid-season presents unique challenges. “Any abrupt change, if not carefully managed, carries the potential to create uncertainty or even disorder,” Ndovi said.
On his part, Silver Strikers CEO Patrick Chimimba welcomed the amendments.
“Adopting what is being implemented as guided by Fifa is a progressive move by Fam,” Chimimba said.
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Civil Service United administrator Gabriel Chirwa said the move had come at the right time.
“You will notice that when the team is leading, the goalkeeper will be delaying the match unnecessarily. As such, this will help stakeholders and enable them to improve our game,” Chirwa said.
The amendment comes after the International Football Associations Board, which looks after Laws of The Game, advised Fifa on the new amendments last year.
Fam will monitor the implementation of the amended laws.
