DECISION OF THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF MALAWI (FAM) ORGANISING COMMITTEE ON THE EVENTS AT HALF TIME DURING THE CARLSBERG CUP SEMIFINAL MATCH BETWEEN MIGHTY BEFORWARD WANDERERS AND MANGOCHI POLICE FC AT KAMUZU STADIUM ON 27TH AUGUST 2016
1.0 Background
On 3rd September, the Football Association of Malawi Competitions Organising Committee convened to review and make a decision on the Charges of Unsporting behaviors laid against Mighty Be Forward Wanderers in relation to events that occurred at half time of a Carlsberg Cup semifinal match between Mighty Be Forward Wanderers and Mangochi Police at the Kamuzu Stadium on 27th August 2016.
2.0 Observations
The Committee considered a response to the charges from Mighty Be forward Wanderers Football Club as well as reports submitted by the Match Coordinator, The Police, The Stewards, The Referee, the Match Commissioner, Mangochi Police FC and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. From the reports it clearly emerged that Mighty Be Forward Wanderers supporters invaded the tunnel and the dressing area during the interval despite being aware and having been advised that they were not allowed to do so.
It was also noted that a handful of Mighty Be Forward Wanderers supporters rushed to the Media Stand carrying among other things urine and pork soup. Taking advantage of the fact that part of the tunnel leading to the dressing is uncovered and directly below the stand, they poured pork soup on Mangochi Police Football Club goalkeeper. This was done by two unidentified supporters who were clad in very clear Mighty Be Forward Wanderers colours. This incident was clearly witnessed by the stewards but was unable to apprehend the two supporters because they immediately disappeared after doing the dishonourable act.
The Committe also observed that Mangochi Police Football Club goalkeeper was not physically assaulted as alleged by Mangochi Police Football Club. It was established that goalkeeper got injured in the field of play when he collided with a Wanderers player towards the end of first half. This is corroborated by a report from the hospital which clearly indicate that the player got injured while playing football. In view of the above events, the committee concluded that the actions Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club supporters were barbaric and unwarranted and had brought the game of football into disrepute following the bad publicity that followed as a result of the incidents that happened. It was further noted that it is increasingly becoming apparent that Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club is unable to control the behaviour of its supporters during matches, a development that is detrimental to football.
3.0 Findings Verdict and Sanctions
Out of the events summarized above, the Committee made the following findings and determinations:
(a) Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club were found guilty of bullying a Mangochi Police Football Club player by pouring him pork soup. As per article 24.12 of the Carlsberg Cup Rules and Regulations Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club are fined K500, 000.00.
(b) Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club were found guilty of bringing the game of football into disrepute following the negative publicity of the above stated match as a result of the actions of its supporters. As per article 24.21, as read with Article 24.1, of the Carlsberg Cup Rules and Regulations Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club are fined K150,000.00
Kindly note that all the fines must be paid before Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Football Club next fixture. Any aggrieved party is free to appeal to FAM’s Disciplinary Committee within 48 hours of receipt of this notification. Such appeal must be accompanied by the prescribed appeal fee in the sum of K450, 000.00 in line with Articles 15.1 of the Competition’s Rules and Regulations.
Signed by : SUZGO NYIRENDA GENERAL SECRETARY
