In a statement released yesterday the association confirmed hiking Flames game bonuses from K100,000 to K500,000 each for a win in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and World Cup qualifiers whereas half the amount will be given for a draw.
For a win in regional competition such as Cosafa Cup, each player will be getting K300,000 and K150 000 for a draw. In friendly matches, Flames players will each be receiving K200, 000 for a victory and K100, 000 each for a draw.
Fam has also abolished training allowances and the players will each be getting appearance fee of K200,000 for major competitions and K150,000 for friendly matches for maximum of 30 players.
“The new rates are very competitive and attractive having benchmarked with other national teams within the region. Fam has planned to fulfill this financial obligation through gate takings and Fifa funding by complementing the revised rates that were approved by Malawi National Council of Sports,” reads part of the statement from Fam.
Fam exco also agreed to increase Flames’ external allowances from $50 (about K38,000) to $100 (about K76,000).
There was also good news for Malawi women’s national football team, Scorchers, as the association increased the game bonuses from K30,000 to K300,000 each player for a win in Afcon and World Cup qualifiers and half the amount for a draw.
In Cosafa Cup, each Scorchers player will be getting K200,000 for a win and K100,000 for a draw whereas in friendly matches each player will receive K100,000 for a win and K50,000 for a draw.
The statement further stated that the national football governing body had raised allowances for all junior national teams in line with the criteria used for senior sides.
Local football analyst George Chiusiwa said hiking game bonuses would motivate the players.
“Flames were getting the lowest game bonuses so it is good news that the new perks have been approved. This is a timely boost for the Flames as they face Zambia in a friendly match Wednesday before another strength-testing match against Zimbabwe at Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday.
Last week, Fam announced that it will support all football stakeholders with a starter pack ahead of football restart on October 17. In Phase Two of the Covid-19 relief support, Fam will be using Fifa and Caf funds.
Meanwhile, Fam executive meeting has also sanctioned the Malawi women’s national football team participation in this year’s Cosafa Cup slated for November 3-14 in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
The team will take part in the competition for a third consecutive year after Cosafa announced on Thursday that it was optimistic of staging four of its six tournaments this year despite Covid-19 pandemic.
Malawi exited the tournament in the group stages for the past two editions. Last year, the Scorchers won two games against Madagascar (2-0) and Comoros Islands (13-0) but lost 3-1 to hosts and defending champions South Africa.