Affiliation fees to affect Malawi national athletics championship

Affiliation and registration fees imposed by Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) on clubs, coaches and athletes is threatening the national championship scheduled for Saturday at Bingu National Stadium.

Mzee Makawa: It was hurriedly done

Most athletes have also questioned the association decision to stop meeting the cost of transport, accommodation and food as it has been the case in the past.

They have also described the introduction of K5,000 (about US$ 6) participation fee for each athlete for each competition as counterproductive to the development of the sport as most athletes cannot afford.

The total affiliation and registration fees for clubs and coaches of K60,000 has been roundly criticised which has seen only six clubs from Southern Region, Central one and two for Northern Region.

However, Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prison and other education institutions who have a pool of good athletes, are yet to fulfill the requirement.

Former Athletics Association official Mzee Makawa said despite the growing concern the issue is a constitutional requirement which was hurriedly done.

“However current administration did do enough consultation to the concerned parties. This is the reason why I was among those who were against it unfortunately we were not supported, ” Makawa said.

“According to Article 6 of AAM elections membership fee will be determined at every annual general meeting which unfortunately was not done.”

An athlete from MDF Benedicto Makumba said it would be difficult for athletes to participation fee of K5,000 while meeting the cost of transport, food and accommodation.

“This is going to discourage athletes to participate in competitions.”

AAM general secretary Frank Chitembeya insisted that the move was in line with world athletics body IAAF requirement.

However he declined to comment on the impending disaster the decision will cause on the sport.

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