The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) have suspended all football games from Malawi main venue, the Kamuzu Stadium, amid rising running battles between Army and civilian team’s fans.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda and his Sulom counterpart Williams Banda issued the ban through a press release on Monday, a day after the police used tear gas to disperse an angry stone-throwing mob that marred league game between Kamuzu Barracks (KB) and civilians Evirom.
“If these acts are unchecked, there is a danger that the fights with the army could escalate and degenerate into unprecedented proportions that this country has never witnessed,” reads the joint statement.
“We therefore realize the need to protect the lives of fans, civilians and property, hence the suspension. Depending on the co-operation of the teams and it’s fans, we will review the situation before the end of the year and decide accordingly. This suspension gives a chance to all stakeholders to go back to the drawing board and to thoroughly reflect on the ugly incidents with sober minds.”
KB is an Army side whose game against civilians Blantyre United last month also ended in violence. Another game involving other soldiers Red Lions against Evirom was also punctuated by violence at the same venue.
Fans for civilian teams accuse the Army of harassing them whenever they are hosting the civilian clubs. Army General Henry Odillo called on FAM to act on the growing battles.
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