The Airtel Top 8 has been thrown into chaos after the semi-final between Silver Strikers and Mafco, which was scheduled for today at Bingu National Stadium, has been postponed to a later date.
This comes after Football Association of Malawi (Fam)’s Appeals Committee commenced the association’s Disciplinary Committee determination following an appeal from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Fam announced in a statement yesterday that Wanderers expressed intent to appeal against the Disciplinary Committee’s determination, which entirety upheld the decision by the competition committee.
“Wanderers were on Friday 8th December, 2023 served with Disciplinary Committee motivated decision and have four days of appeal whose hearing is scheduled for Wednesday 13th December,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Fam has commenced disciplinary proceedings against Wanderers for failing to show up for the second leg quarter-final against Silver at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday.
For failing to show up, Fam awarded the match to Silver with a 2-0 margin, in line with Article 10.6 of the Airtel Top 8 Rules and Regulations.
However, lawyer representing Wanderers, David Kanyenda said he was partially satisfied with development. “We would have been happier had they postponed the second leg.
They erred in scheduling the second leg fixture. To a large extent, the 24-hour ultimatum has served its purpose.
“But we are going to demand they withdraw their triumphed charges based on the second leg, failing which we shall take retaliatory action,” Kanyenda said.
For failing to honour the fixture, Wanderers risk a ban from all competitions organised by Fam as well as a K2 million fine in line with Article 4.5 of the competition’s rules and regulations.
Sports analyst Sherry Msuku said Fam and Wanderers should settle the matter quickly. “This issue should be treated with seriousness. Football should be the winner,’’ he said.
Wanderers were found guilty of three charges namely causing abandonment, bringing the game of football into disrepute contrary to Article 13 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code and failing to control the actions of their supporters.
They were fined K24 million and also lost the first leg by 2-0 margin for causing abandonment.
