Bullets not eligible to participate in CAF

Big Bullets dreams of playing in the Africa’s Club competition can just be as such after Football Association of Malawi  (FAM) disclosed that they cannot participate because of Malawi’s failure to implement Club Licencing Regulations imposed by FIFA.

Bullets have already collected forms to submit to CAF ahead of the competition’s registration deadline of November 24.

But FAM Commercial Manager Casper Jangale, who is also responsible for club, licensing said in a statement that Malawian clubs would only be eligible to participate in CAF competitions once FAM and Super League of Malawi implemented club licensing.

Under Club Licensing Regulations, clubs interested to participate in CAF competitions are required to apply for a license, which is issued upon certification that they meet the minimum standards.

“The reality is that it is practically impossible for Malawian clubs to meet the requirements of CLR before31 December 2014 deadline,” Jangale said.

He blamed the situation for Malawi’s failure to implement the Lilongwe Declaration of 2009.

“A lot has been said and written about the 2009 Lilongwe Declaration which was formulated after the Fifa-facilitated workshop. Fifa through CAF wanted African members associations, including Malawi to run their clubs in a professional manner,” Jangale said.

“CAF has imposed 31 December 2014 as the deadline for football clubs of its member associations including Malawi to meet the requirements or be excluded from continental competitions such as the CAF Confederations Cup and CAF Champions League.”

“The implication is that unless Malawi establishes and successfully implements it own club licensing regulations, teams planning to participate in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will be barred,” the statement said.

Club Licensing Regulations date back to 2007 when its principles were accepted at the 57th Fifa Congress which were adopted by Fifa Executive Committee on 27 October, 2007 and came into use on 1 January 2008.

However. Bullets Chairperson Kondie Msungama is still optimistic that the club could meet the deadline of December 31 to process the club licensing for it to participate in the competition.

Bullets, who had a fairytale run of the Confederations Cup in 2004 while it was sponsored by former President Bakili Muluzi reached the quarterfinals.