The Presidential Cup gate revenue cut that went to a group called Security Network has raised more questions than answers as some quarters claim that it was resolved that Football Association of Malawi (Fam) should bear such a cost.
But on the contrary, during Saturday’s cup final at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Fam deducted K150,000 from the gross to go towards the Network, whose main objective is not known as the Police and Stewards provide security during matches.
Some people claim that the Network was introduced with the aim of reducing violence in the terraces through timely identification of trouble-makers.
Reports suggest the Network comprises bouncers.
However, it has emerged that during one of the pre-match meetings, it was observed that there was a duplication of roles, hence the association and the two clubs agreed that the Network should be paid from Fam’s cut.
The association usually gets 20 percent from gate proceeds.
Bullets Vice-Chairperson, Austin Kasito, confirmed that he was aware at the Network’s existence, saying it is a group comprising supporters.
“Sometimes, they work as supervisors of the gates and in the stands. At the end of a game, they are paid something,” he said.
Fam General Secretary, Sugzo Nyirenda, justified the cut, saying it was agreed by both clubs during a pre-match meeting.
“All the clubs were in agreement with the arrangement. The Security Network works hand-in-hand with the police and stewards,” Nyirenda said.
The association recently suspended the rolling out of Players’ Welfare Fund, which was being allocated three percent from gate revenue.
Additionally, supporters’ committees for Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers pocket 10 percent and 12 percent, respectively, from the collections.
A total of K19.7 million was raised as Civo Stadium where the Police received K750, 000, and Stewards pocketed K414, 000.
Bullets were crowned champions after beating Moyale Barracks 4-3 on post-match penalties.
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