FAM denies politics in associations’ funding spree
Alide(L) and FAM president Walter Nyamilandu (R)
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is clarifying that its initiative to financially support its affiliate associations is not a campaign gimmick.
It follows the launch earlier today of an at least K500 million fund for various developments in member associations including the National Youth Football Association, beach soccer and the regional football associations.
Other bodies to benefit from the funds sourced from FIFA’s Forward 3.0 project are the women’s football committee, the national coaches’ association, as well as national referees’ body.
While some quarters believe the development is but a build-up to the FA’s December elections as well as that of the Super League of Malawi this Saturday, FAM Vice President Jabber Alide insists that is not the case.
“The programme has started this year in January and the money has been made available to FAM in January as well, hence the announcement now. If you ask where we were all along, the answer is that we were focusing on other FIFA projects which were cantered on infrastructure development.” Clarified the association’s vice president.
Alide stressed that if the money is to wait until after the two elections, then the money will be forfeited.
FAM set up a taskforce with a mandate to
come up with guidelines on how these funds should be
accessed, utilized and accounted for by member associations.
The taskforce which is being chaired by Alide also has other members like Chimango Munthali from the association’s executive committee, SULOM President Tiya Somba Banda, regional association chairpersons and FAM CEO as an ex-official.
Incumbent SULOM leader Somba Banda who is also member of the new FA’s taskforce is fighting to reclaim his SULOM presidency in an election slated for on Saturday, where he faces vice president of Nyasa Big Bullets Football Club Fleetwood Haiya.
On the other hand, FAM has elections in December and unconfirmed reports are indicating that incumbent president Walter Nyamilandu will seek re-election.
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