Fined, banned

Football Association of Malawi has slapped Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mafco with fines for various incidents that took place during the two teams’ Airtel Top 8 Cup first leg quarterfinal match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on November 6. Fam has ordered Wanderers and Mafco to pay K1 million each after finding them guilty of two offences.

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has slapped Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mafco with fines for various incidents that took place during the two teams’ Airtel Top 8 Cup first leg quarterfinal match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on November 6.

Fam has ordered Wanderers and Mafco to pay K1 million each after finding them guilty of two offences.

Additionally, Mafco striker Richard Mbulu has been fined K500,000 and is banned for one match on the charge of misconduct.

Fam released the verdict yesterday after reviewing evidence and reports from relevant parties.

Wanderers have been found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, in line with Article 67 of Fam’s Disciplinary Code.

The Nomads were also found guilty of bullying opponents, in line with Article 22.13 of the 2022 Airtel Top 8 Cup.

Each of the two charges attracted a K500,000 fine.

“Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC failed to prevent their supporters from engaging in improper conduct as per count one above and their actions brought the game of football, Fam and name of the sponsor into disrepute contrary to Article 67 of the Fam Disciplinary Code,” the verdict reads.

Wanderers’ Board Secretary Chancy Gondwe confirmed receipt of the verdict.

“For now, we will wait for the board to make a decision on the matter,” Gondwe said.

Fam Competitions Committee has also commenced proceedings and charged all six Wanderers supporters suspected to have been involved in misconduct.

The supporters are Dennis Chitsulo, Antony Chawanda, Llyod Makandanji, Lackson Meke, Osman Gomani and Peter Mvalo.

The six have been charged with two cases each for bringing the game into disrepute and bullying opponents.

Mafco were fined K500,000 for bullying and threatening match officials, in line with Article 22.13 of the 2022 Airtel Top 8 Cup.

The Salima-based soldiers were also slapped with a K500,000 suspended fine for bringing the game into disrepute, in line with Article 67 of Fam’s Disciplinary Code.

Mbulu’s ban means the striker will miss the return match between the two sides, which is scheduled for Chitowe in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota, on Sunday if Mafco do not appeal the ban.

Mafco General Secretary Mike Uzale said they will appeal the verdict.

“Justice should prevail. We were not given a chance to be heard and it seems Fam had already made a decision on the matter,” Uzale said.

Both clubs have up to 72 hours to appeal.

Wanderers go into the return match, having won the first leg 2-0.