FAM, SULOM want more spectators in stadiums

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Super League Association of Malawi (Sulom) have expressed excitement with the easing out of restrictions on public gatherings from 50 to 250 people but said it could’ve been better if the government could’ve allowed more spectators at matches.
The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 Tuesday announced that government has decided to ease the restrictions following a drop in Covid-19 positivity rate.

This means that up to 250 people can now be allowed to watch football matches in stadiums.

Making the announcement, Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda said public gatherings in open space can now be at 250 while indoor gatherings are at 100 people.

Health minister Chiponda varies open gathering numbers

She said: “Spectators can now attend matches as long as they do not exceed the 250 cap,. I have the all confidence in Football Association of Malawi and Super League of Malawi to adhere to the regulation as they did with the 50 people restriction.”

FAM Covid-19 Task Force chairperson Chimango Munthali welcomed the new regulations which come into effect tomorrow but said he wished more people were allowed in the stadiums.

“The 250 will surely allow us to safely restart all our football leagues as per our revised competitions roadmap and we are thankful to government,” he said.

Munthali, however, said FAM wished government allowed more spectators.

“We are happy with opening up, but we seriously wish we could have been allowed to at least have quarter capacity access of spectators in the stadiums.

“Truth be told, it has been extremely tough for the teams and fans and football in general, so we hope a special consideration will be made for football. And we would greatly appreciate, said Munthali.”

Munthali also assured government that they will continue adhering to the regulations.

Sulom vice-general secretary Zakaria Nyirenda, who is also Sulom Covid-19 desk officer, reiterated Munthali’s sentiments on the need for more supporters to be allowed in match venues.

“It’s really tough for clubs to operate under these circumstances.

“We hoped that at least government would allow more supporters in stadiums.”

Nyirenda said with the restriction now at 250, a few supporters will be allowed.

“We will be having a few supporters because 250 people cannot all be match organisers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Football Players Association (FPA) has echoed FAM and Sulom pleas to allow more supporters.

“We are grateful that football is back and that government is softening up on supporters. But this is not enough. Clubs badly need gate revenue to take care of their players,” said FPA general secretary Ernest Mangani.

This is the second time for the task force to announce the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Last month, Chiponda also announced the decision to ease the restrictions, only to rescind the decision later.

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Ndafera Nkhande
Ndafera Nkhande
2 years ago

Makwacha atithawa apa .No ticket gate these tough times ehede

Lituma
Lituma
2 years ago

Zibwana. Covid is still ravaging and for Malawi to soften up is not only unwise but risky too. I am also wondering why they are thanking Govt for the easing of restrictions. Are we serious to thank Govt? Is covid a Govt thing? Don’t you know that this is a blunder by Govt? The world is closing again after noting upsurge in numbers of covid attacks. Govt should first target to hit herd vaccination then we start talking of opening up. Let us control our excitement. People are dying

Last edited 2 years ago by Lituma
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