Mafaiti Dismisses Match-Fixing Claims After Own Goal Controversy

Mafaiti fighting for the ball. (Photo by Bobby Kabango )

Malawian defender Charles Mafaiti, a left-back with Lilongwe-based club Civil Service United, has refuted allegations of match-fixing, calling them a gross defamation of his character and an insult to the integrity of the sport.

Mafaiti has come under intense scrutiny after scoring an own goal against Mighty Wanderers on Sunday in a league match at Kamuzu Stadium.

The goal, which came just three minutes into the first half, occurred in a four-against-two situation. Despite having three fellow defenders positioned to clear the danger against a lone opponent, Mafaiti’s header ended up in the back of the net.

The solitary goal was enough for Wanderers to collect all three points at home and move to the top of the league, opening a three-point gap over their long-time rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

A Civil Service United victory would have given Bullets the chance to go top of the table following their 2–0 win over Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium.

With only two matches remaining between Bullets and Wanderers to decide the league title, the fixtures have sparked widespread controversy.

Reacting through his agency, TS Sports, Mafaiti said that following his own goal, it was unfortunate that he had been subjected to a coordinated wave of online vitriol, personal attacks, and baseless accusations of match manipulation.

“These allegations are completely false, malicious, and without a shred of evidence. A suggestion that I could be bribed to influence the outcome of a game is not only a gross defamation but also an insult to the integrity of the sport,” he said.

TS Sports added that it is currently documenting all instances of defamation, harassment, and cyberbullying directed at the player for possible legal action.