More controversy in Blantyre Derby referees choice
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has yielded to pressure to change the initial officiating panel for the FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the fierce Blantyre at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Sulom initially assigned Mayamiko Kanjere as centre referee with Pondamali Tembo and Yohane Chiutika as assistant referees, Cedric Mwachumu as fourth official and Moffat Champiti as match assessor.
Following a complaint from Bullets against Kanjere and Chiutika, Sulom replaced them with Easter Zimba and Clemence Kanduku, respectively. But Tembo and Champiti were maintained.
Reads statement in part dated 1 May 2024 signed by: Bullets Chief Administration Officer: “As a club, we would like to bring to your attention that during the league’s opening match on 6 April 2024 in Dedza where FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC played against Dedza Dynamos, Mayamiko Kanjere and Yohane Chiutika, who were referee and first assistant referee respectively performed poorly to the dismay of our team officials and supporters. The decisions of the two match officials were generally inconsistent and mostly biased against Bullets.
“In view of the foregoing, FCB Big Bullets FC does not believe that it is a rational decision to assign the same officials to manage a highly profile match between Bullets and Wanderers. We would like to request the immediate replacement of the two officials for the sake of sanity of the Blantyre Derby,” he said.
In dramatic turn of events, Wanderers have also lodged a complaint against Sulom’s decision to change the officiating panel basing on Bullets complaint.
“We write to you with deep concern and dismay regarding the recent decision by the Super League of Malawi to allow FCB Nyasa Bullets to influence the selection of officiating panel for our upcoming derby game this Saturday. By allowing FCB Nyasa Bullets to manipulate the selection process, Sulom is setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the game and opens the door to the match-fixing.
“We believe that the decision of change the officiating panel at the behest of a single club is a clear violations of the FIFA code of ethics and fair play.
“We urge Sulom to reconside this decision and take appropriate action to ensure that the officiating panel for our derby game is selected in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the established rules and regulations of the league. The credibility of Malawian football is at stake and it is essential that steps are taken to address this issue promptly.”
