BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken firm action against MK Academy Girls after the team failed to honour three of its scheduled fixtures in the NBM Women’s Premiership, casting a fresh spotlight on the financial struggles facing women’s football in the country.
In a statement released by the association, FAM confirmed that MK Academy did not show up for matches against MDF Lionesses, Ascent Soccer and Mighty Wanderers Queens, forcing all three games to be called off.
The failure to fulfil the fixtures was deemed a serious breach of league regulations, prompting the governing body to invoke disciplinary measures as provided for in the competition rules.
As a result, MK Academy has been slapped with a total fine of K1.5 million, with each unfulfilled match attracting a penalty of K500,000.
FAM said the sanction is meant to protect the integrity of the league and ensure that all participating teams respect fixtures, sponsors, fans and fellow competitors.
Responding to the development, MK Academy co owner and head coach Khumbo Sibale acknowledged receipt of the letter and openly admitted that the team was at fault under the existing regulations.
Sibale, however, painted a grim picture of the club’s financial situation, describing money problems as the major factor behind their failure to travel and honour the three matches.
He revealed that the club intends to formally write to FAM, requesting permission to pay the fine in instalments due to its limited financial capacity.
According to Sibale, the team has been struggling to meet basic operational costs, including transport, accommodation and player welfare, challenges that ultimately caught up with them during the season.
MK Academy’s troubles did not end with the fine, as the team is also among the clubs that have exited the NBM Women’s Premiership.
They join fellow sides Topik Academy and Moyale Sisters, who have also dropped out of the elite league, reducing the competition’s lineup.
