FPAM claims that SL Clubs owe players Over K10m

The Football Players Association of Malawi has claimed that the Super League players are being owed over K10 Million by their clubs in outstanding salaries, game bonuses and signing fees.

Earlier this year, the Association requested the Football Association of Malawi not to issue licences to the Clubs that owe their players outstanding balances but their request hit the blank wall as Fam continued issuing licences to the Clubs that have not paid full dues to the players.

Speaking to the Nations Sport, the Football Players Association General Secretary, Ernest Mangani said only military and Malawi Police Services teams have managed to pay full money on signing on fees, salaries, and game bonuses to the players.

This means that only Mafco FC, Blue Eagles FC, Moyale Barracks, Kamuzu Barracks and Red Lions have managed to pay the full money to the players while the remaining 11 teams still owe their players outstanding dues. 

"Only teams from military and MPS have paid the players. As we speak, the situation is becoming worse because the outstanding dues have increased. Fam, through their licencing office, assured us that they would enforce be rules but up to now, nothing has happened and our members are suffering. It is unfortunate that the body with mandate to instill Football business discipline encourages the exploitation of players.

"These clubs did not deserve to have licences. Since the TNM Super League kicked off and we expect all clubs to sort out payment issues with their players. Issuance of licences to clubs that failed to pay their players means Fam is not walking the talk.

“We are concerned that Fam went ahead to issue licences to clubs that owe their players millions of Kwacha. This is despite their promises against doing so. What worries us most is that such conduct may end up making some clubs taking the matter lightly.

"We also have cases of unfair conditions of service in players’ contracts and unreasonable delays in paying remuneration to players by most Super League teams. Authorities are aware of such malpractices. It is sad that they allow this to continue happening. We are currently engaging Fam on the matter.

“If we do not get the expected response, we will seek remedial assistance through appropriate means, including petitions and naming and shaming the clubs. We are not doing this to hurt anyone in the football family. All we want is to protect the rights of our members and also to ensure that clubs comply with the rules at all times,” Mangani said.

However, Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have played down the development saying they have paid their players. 

Albert Chigoga, Chief Administrative Officer for Bullets said Bullets have zero overdue payables to their players.

"I think FPA doesn't know what it is talking about to include us on sch list," he said.

Karonga United while admitting that they are in financial woes, said they try to put the welfare of their players as priority.  [SOURCE: THE NATIONS]