THE 2017 TNM Super League season is in doubt following an announcement by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) that the league’s sponsors and the league runners have suspended contract renewal negotiations.
This comes just days after Football Association of Malawi (Fam) secured K66 million sponsorship from another telecommunication company, Airtel Malawi. In a statement released yesterday, Sulom indicated that the league might not kick-off as planned.
The new season was expected to start on April 8, 2017 with the season curtain-raiser between Super League champions, Kamuzu Barracks and runners-up Nyasa Big Bullets slated for April 2 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
“The Super League of Malawi regrets to inform all clubs that TNM Limited has suspended league procurement and the contract renewal negotiations with immediate effect. This follows the release of the determination on TNM/Sulom agreement by the Competition and Fair Trading Commission [CFTC] on February 23, 2017 as well as a letter dated February 6, 2017, the current agreement shall come to an end on April 12, 2017,” reads part of the letter signed by Sulom general secretary Banda.
“Sulom was dismayed with the fact that the complain (sic) in this matter is not known and CFTC proceeded to act in line with their mandate. CFTC has also failed to differentiate football sponsorship and corporate social responsibility.
In view of this development, it is very unlikely that the league shall kick off on April 8, 2017.” In the press statement, Sulom also indicated that the CFTC further failed to appreciate the role TNM Limited has played in developing Malawi football.
It further states that Fam, Sulom, clubs and the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development to review the report and the TNM sponsorship.
TNM and Sulom are yet to sign contract extension despite TNM indicating they would be ready to continue bankrolling football for another 10 years. But following the latest development, the sponsorship might be in danger.
TNM Senior Manager Public Relations Akossah Mphepo could not be reached last night for her comment. In his reaction last night, Be Forward Wanderers Vice Chairperson Gift Mkandawire said the news was disappointing.
“It is really disappointing on the part of the teams. We have been preparing but for now we do not know when it will start,” Mkandawire said.
CFTC instituted a one-year investigation into the matter following reports that the contract between Sulom and TNM was contrary to the Competition and Fair Trading Act.
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