The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has taken a significant step in addressing financial obligations, deciding to settle verified arrears totaling K800 million owed to players, staff, and various stakeholders. The resolution was passed during the first quarterly meeting at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.
The primary focus of the payment is on clearing arrears as of December 31, 2023, with priority given to settling Scorchers Cosafa Cup allowances, Flames Caf and World Cup qualifiers allowances, and staff arrears. Fam owes Scorchers players and technical panel members over K2 million each for their victory in the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship.
Despite Fam’s promise to award K1 million to players and technical panel members as a token of appreciation, along with additional bonuses for winning matches at the tournament, only K1 million was paid. Arrears for Flames players, covering game bonuses and allowances in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers and the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, also need to be settled.
The outstanding amounts also extend to staff, the 2023 Fam district leagues, 2023 Fam Women’s Regional Leagues, 2023 Beach Soccer Leagues, and Fam Moto Division One Leagues.
In addition to addressing financial matters, the meeting approved the revival and empowerment of the internal Audit Department, with direct reporting to Fam exco. This move aims to enhance controls and reduce revenue leakages, embracing value addition as a priority.
Sports analyst George Kaudza Masina expressed approval of the decisions made by the new Fam leadership. Furthermore, Fam announced that the 2024 football season will commence on April 6, preceded by the NBS Bank Charity Shield on March 30, featuring FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silvers Strikers.
Before the season kick-off, Fam plans to conduct workshops and refresher courses for Super League teams’ coaches, media, stewards, and supporters, among other stakeholders.
