Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have denied all the charges that were leveled against them by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) concerning the fracas that erupted during the Airtel Top 8 Cup opener against Silver Strikers.
The Nomads were charged with three offences by the Association’s Competitions committee on Tuesday and they were asked to provide the Secretariat of FAM with its position in relation to the charge sheet attached within 48 hours of receipt of notification.
The Lali Luban football team were alleged to have caused game abandonment, causing hooliganism and violence and bringing the game of football into disrepute.
In a letter of response signed by the Board Secretary, Chancy Gondwe dated 18th October, 2023 Wanderers have denied all the allegations saying they are even ready to provide the association with evidence that their players neither refused to continue with the play nor caused the abandonment of the match.
“In any event during the hearing, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Football Club shall show that its players neither refused to continue with the play nor caused the abandonment of the match,” the letter reads in part.
The defending Champions of the Airtel Top 8 Cup denied that its supporters perpetrated violence arguing that no single supporter of the Club was apprehended by the security personnel hired by the Competition Committee.
“Further, the host club Silver Strikers and/or the competition committee were responsible for order and security both in and around the stadium before, during and after the match in terms of article 17(1) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” adds the letter.
The game between the two blue-attired clubs ended in suspense after referee, Godfrey Nkhakananga wrecked in the injury time. He opted to award Silver Strikers with a goal after blowing his whistle for a hand-ball incidence.
FAM slapped Wanderers with a hefty fine amounting to K24.5 million for causing abandonment of the game and inciting hooliganism and violence.
After the Competition Committee released the determination without inviting the parties involved, Wanderers appealed against the verdict and the Committee of Appeal nullified the determination and ordered the committee to restart the hearing.
Meanwhile, the second leg of the game was scheduled for 29th October, 2023 could be shifted to a later date should the committee fail to finalize the case in time as confirmed by the Chairperson of the Committee, Gomezgan ZakaZaka.
