“We further would like to assure all our stakeholders that FAM operates independently and is apolitical in the manner in which it conducts its affairs..” says part of a press statement by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

The above is in response to the criticism that the association got for sponsoring the live broadcast of Democratic Prgressive Party’s nomination paper submission. During the broadcast, MBC showed that the broadcast was sponsored by FAM; a claim that worried stakeholders, football fans and political commentators.

Various football team authorities criticised FAM; noting that it may be using proceeds from gate collections to fund a political party. “..even Fifa does not allow politics as that is against its statues” said former silver strikers General Secretary, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, courtesy of an interview with The Nation Newspaper.

FAM has dismissed the sponsorship claim, stating that besides being apolitical, its only agreement with MBC is to place 60 second ads to promote the Rough Diamonds Tournament.