Sports Perspective: Fam needs robust approach to legal issues
Football Association of Malawi ( Fam) needs to do soul-searching on why recently some people have taken football matters to Ordinary Courts, which is in defiance to Article 67 of Fam Statutes.
The Article clearly states that Fam and its affiliates, officials and match and players’ agents will not take any deputes to Ordinary Courts unless specifically provided for in Fam statutes and Fifa regulations. Any disagreements shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of Fifa, Caf or Fam.
It also states that Fam shall have jurisdiction on internal national disputes .i.e. disputes between parties belonging to Fam.
Prior to Fam elective general assembly in Mangochi, Fam was sued by three contestants, Yabwanya Phiri, Wilkins Mijiga and Tiya Somba Banda after they disagreed with electoral procedures.
Somba-Banda eventually distanced himself from the injunction.
As Fam is still battling to hear the case of the three, Super League relegated Dedza Young Soccer, who have been involved in a protracted war-of -words with Super League governing body Sulom, over the relegation procedures, have also taken the issue to the Ordinary Court.
Fifa expressed rage with the continued violation of its laws and warned against specified action if Fam does not stamp its authority on the culprits.
But why is it that most people have resorted to taking football issues to court? Surely, Fam should also squarely shoulder the blame for this mess.
Fam has not sensitised its affiliates enough on the repercussion of taking football matters to Ordinary Courts.
Fam also need to streamline its legal procedures because it takes long to hear and conclude cases as a results there is a growing frustration, panic and confusion on the plaintiff.
For instance, the issue involving Sulom and Dedza Young Soccer could have been dealt with long time ago. But its dilly-dallying to make a simple decision on how to identify the 16th team to play in the Super League has put the entire league in a mess.
Lessons must be learnt from the previous mistakes. Fam must urgently come to its senses and put in place a robust legal committee which can deal with football cases with speed.
Failing to make decision on simple issues is making a lot of stakeholders to start growing pessimism on the seriousness of the football mother body and its affiliates.
If this trend continues it is Fam that will ultimately pay the price.
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