FAM justifies clubs’ invitation to Salima AGM

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it invited clubs to its annual general meeting (AGM) in Salima tomorrow for them to attend a crucial Fifa Forward Workshop.

For the first time, the association extended invitations to the clubs to the AGM at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach, but they turned down the invitation.

Mittawa (L) sent clubs’ responce to Haiya. | Nation

But in an interview yesterday, FAM operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the clubs had missed an opportunity to attend a workshop on how to manage Fifa Forward K10 million funding they receive.

He said: “For a long time, we have been facing challenges in reconciling the funds which we give to the clubs. Twice, Fifa has sent our reports back because clubs do not submit proper reports on these funds.

“The invitation was not for the AGM per se. It was for this workshop which we organised to help the clubs to prepare proper reports so that they can continue accessing these funds.

“Fifa has already warned us that failure to submit proper reports will result in loss of funding.”

On why FAM did not pick another time for the workshop, Zakazaka said: “We took opportunity because it’s cost-effective since everyone who benefits from the funding, including other affiliates, will be in Salima.”

But the clubs, in a letter to FAM president Fleetwood Haiya, through the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), said they agreed not to attend the meeting as it is not in line with the FAM statutes.

Reads part of the letter that Sulom president Gilbert Mittawa signed: “Clubs appreciated the workshop by FAM and would like to request if it can be organised at a later stage, giving clubs ample time to prepare and contribute effectively towards consultation on issues of football development.”

The clubs confirmed having agreed to excuse themselves from the AGM.

“We indeed agreed as clubs not to attend the AGM, but be represented by Sulom because we believe the invitation was not consistent with governing statutes of both Sulom and FAM.

“It’s not like we are against anybody, but we need to conform to the statutes,” said Karonga United legal advisor Hadrod Mkandawire.

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