Sulom says with effect from this weekend’s TNM Super League matches, clubs that will not adhere to the requirement to have the league sponsor TNM plc’s logo on the shirt sleeve risk punishment, including forfeiting points.

But some clubs say they see no logic in having the league sponsor’s logo on the shirt sleeve since TNM withdrew its kit sponsorship for the clubs.

Wanderers (in blue) are yet to accommodate TNM logo on their shirt sleeve

Quoting Article 38 of the domestic top-flight league’s rules and regulations, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda said in an interview on Thursday that teams risk a fine of K50 000 per jersey per game or forfeiting matches.

He said: “The rules are very clear and the key message is just to comply with the agreed specification and design.

“The AGM [annual general meeting] agreed to ensure that all jerseys are properly branded in line with the agreement.

“Clubs are further encouraged to be dealers of TNM to boost their revenue.”

Weekend Nation has established that almost half of the Super League teams are not using TNM sleeve-branded shirts.

Those that are complying include Nyasa Big Bullets, Waka Waka Tigers, Kamuzu Barracks, Moyale Barracks, Karonga United, Rumphi United and TN Stars.

Teams whose shirts are currently not branded with TNM plc logo on the shirt sleeves include Mighty Wanderers, Civil Service (Civo) United and Silver Strikers.

Civo United general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said they have reservations with Sulom’s order.

He said: “We have seen that communication, but with due respect we fail to understand why we should include TNM logo on our jerseys when we were told during the previous AGM held in Mangochi that TNM had withdrawn its kit sponsorship and we were free to negotiate with other kit sponsors.

“We will have to engage our kit sponsor on that. Meanwhile, we have asked Sulom to provide us with the new contract agreement to see if that is accommodated.”

On his part, Wanderers board secretary Humphrey Mvula also said as a club, they do not understand the reason to put a TNM logo on the shirt sleeve when they no longer sponsor uniforms.

He said: “Look, much as they still sponsor the league,TNM pulled out kit sponsorship and we will not get anything for marketing their brand.

“If they want us to use their logo, then they should contribute towards shirt sponsorship. We might not have been open in the past because the world of football stopped at the doorstep changed.

“I don’t know if it would please our sponsor to see TNM logo on our jersey. After all, TNM is highly popularised through the league sponsorship, the fortune that TNM rakes in, is in billions.”

Silver chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali said they are communicating with Sulom on the matter and it would be difficult to comment.

According to Fifa shirt advertising regulations, the chest is for club’s shirt sponsors while the league’s logo designated position is the left or right sleeve, depending on the contract with the league.

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