Following last weekend’s violence, which left 239 seats destroyed at the Bingu Stadium in Malawi during the Airtel Top8 Cup, the Malawi Football Association (FAM) has fined the Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Wanderers abandoned the game against Silver Strikers when referee Godfrey Nkhakananga awarded the latter what they termed a “dubious goal” in added time.
Nkhakananga was accused of blowing the whistle for a free kick to Silver Strikers but play did not stop, and striker Stanie Davie scored to give his side a 2-1 lead.
That resulted in Wanderers players and officials protesting as their fans threw objects onto the field while others damaged seats at the country’s only CAF-certified stadium.
Wanderers have since been fined a total of K24.5 million Malawian Kwacha (around $ 22,800).
FAM has also awarded Silver Strikers the win saying they found Wanderers guilty of causing the abandonment of the match following their players’ refusal to continue with play contrary to article 10.3 of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 Rules and Regulations.
They have also been slapped with a K500,000.00 fine for their supporters’ unruly behavior.
The Committee has further ordered the club to pay for the costs associated with the repair and restoration of any damaged facilities at Bingu National Stadium which stands at K22,083,400.00 as per the preliminary assessment by the stadium’s authorities.
Wanderers have also been fined K2 000 000 for bringing the game, FAM, and the name of the sponsors into disrepute.
FAM says the Referees’ Committee is reviewing the referee, Nkhakananga’s conduct, and necessary measures will be taken.
Meanwhile, Wanderers’ board secretary Chancy Gondwe has said they are analyzing the verdict and will come up with a final conclusion going forward.
