FAM Electoral Committee Upholds Haiya's Candidacy, Rejects Nyamilandu's Appeal
Sports enthusiast Julius Mithi echoed Kamau's sentiments, describing Nyamilandu's appeal as "unnecessary and divisive."
Lilongwe, Malawi - In a significant turn of events, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Electoral Committee has rejected an appeal filed by Walter Nyamilandu, seeking to invalidate Fleetwood Haiya's candidacy for the upcoming FAM presidential election, writes Romeo Umali.
The Electoral Committee cited the timeliness of Nyamilandu's appeal as the primary reason for its dismissal.
According to the FAM Code, Article 12(2), any appeal must be submitted to the FAM General Secretariat within three days of the Electoral Committee's decision, either by registered post or confirmed receipt exchange. Nyamilandu's appeal, submitted on November 24, 2023, fell outside the stipulated timeframe.
In his appeal, Nyamilandu challenged Haiya's eligibility due to his dual roles as a FAM presidential nominee and Vice President of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, as well as his position as the current Super League of Malawi President. Nyamilandu expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from these positions.
However, the Electoral Committee determined that Haiya's eligibility met the necessary criteria, stating that his dual roles did not contravene FAM regulations.
They further emphasized that Haiya had taken the necessary steps to recuse himself from any decision-making processes that could lead to a conflict of interest.
Sports Analyst Kim Kamau criticized Nyamilandu's appeal, labelling it a "desperate attempt" to undermine Haiya's candidature.
Kamau questioned the timing of the appeal and suggested that it was motivated by Nyamilandu's fear of losing the election.
Sports enthusiast Julius Mithi echoed Kamau's sentiments, describing Nyamilandu's appeal as "unnecessary and divisive."
Mithi applauded the Electoral Committee's decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
The upcoming FAM elections, scheduled for December 16, 2023, are expected to be a close contest between Nyamilandu, who has served as FAM President for the past 19 years, and Haiya, who is considered a formidable challenger.
The outcome of the election will significantly impact the future of Malawian football.