FAM, Carlsberg Malawi clash over TNM donation to Flames

Official sponsor of the Flames, Carlsberg Malawi has reportedly blocked one of the leading mobile operators in the country TNM from donating cash to the team.

It is understood that TNM wanted to donate K5 million.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) were scheduled to receive the money on Wednesday afternoon but the event was cancelled at eleventh hour.

The development, according to FAM sources, came after Carlsberg warned against receiving the donation when they had pumped funds to the association as official sponsors.

FAM and Carlsberg officials were rocked in meeting at the time of posting the story.

The Flames are slated to host Mali’s Eagles on November 15 before travelling to Ethiopia for their final Group B qualifier against the Walya Antelopes four days later, but the fulfilment of the matches is uncertain due to lack of funding.

About K62 million is needed for the remaining qualifiers.

Youth and Sports Minister Grace Chiumia have painted a rosy picture, saying “there is green light from the corporate world, we have made progress and the team will fulfil the remaining games.”

FAM gave itself this weekend’s cut-off point to raise the funds or pull out from the tournament.