Super League of Malawi (Sulom) Appeals Tribunal has ruled that TNM Super League play-offs, meant to identify a 16th team, should be re-scheduled.
The tribunal, chaired by Davis Sado, comprised Chrispine Sibande and Trouble Kalua.
The tribunal has since encouraged all parties to have the Order of Injunction vacated by consent.
Dedza and Sulom were present during the ruling at Sunbird Lilongwe on Wednesday.
In its ruling, the tribunal established that Sulom has powers to determine the criteria for identifying the 16th team to participate in the league, and that the league made a correct decision.
“Sulom must re-schedule the remaining play-off matches herein as soon as is reasonably possible, and must allow Dedza to participate in the said play-offs in order to determine the 16th team,” reads part of the ruling.
“Sulom shall be condemned to foot the costs of the two teams that already travelled to the venue of the play-offs for the first game for participating in the re-scheduled play-offs.”
Wizards and Airborne spent an estimated K2.5 million in fulfilling the play-offs which were halted after Dedza obtained the injunction against proceeding with the games.
The tribunal also ruled that the result of the opening play-off between 2-1 winners, Wizards FC and Airborne will stand.
After the ruling, Sulom General Secretary, Williams Banda, said they would wait for the lifting of the injunction to decide on the date for the play-offs.
“It’s a welcome development and we have been waiting such a resolution from an independent appeals committee. We commend them for the job well done,” Banda said.
However, the appeals committee faulted Sulom for breaching its own internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The committee also found Sulom guilty of failing to communicate its decision to concerned parties in time and in a professional manner.
Dedza Legal Advisor, Williams Nkhoma, said he would consult the team before deciding on the issue.
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