By Twink Jones Gadama
The Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Blantyre has dealt a significant blow to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), ordering the organization to pay former Flames coach Meck Mwase a staggering K440 million in compensation for unlawful termination of contract, redeployment, and constructive dismissal.
According to IRC deputy chairperson Edna Bodole, the compensation amount is equivalent to Mwase’s entire 36-month contract, which is on par with the salaries of former Flames expatriate coaches Romanian Mario Marinica and Belgian Ronny Van Geneugden (RVG), his successor and predecessor, respectively.
However, Bodole clarified that the compensation package does not include motor vehicle allowance, insurance cover, annual gold card membership, and life insurance, which were initially part of the benefits Mwase was entitled to.
Mwase’s lawyer, David Kanyenda, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, despite the compensation being lower than their expected total of at least K518 million. “We succeeded on equal pay because the court has found that Meck Mwase was discriminated against because he was placed on an inferior wage scale compared to the expatriate coaches,” Kanyenda said.
On the other hand, FAM’s lawyer, Luciano Mickeus, hinted that the organization may appeal the decision. “We will sit down to discuss whether to appeal the matter,” Mickeus said.
The case dates back to 2022 when Mwase was fired by FAM with a year left on his contract.
He was subsequently redeployed to coach the Malawi under-23 national football team, but he turned down the offer and decided to sue FAM instead.
Mwase’s dismissal was widely criticized, with many viewing it as unfair and unjust.
The former Flames coach had guided the team to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon before being ‘demoted’ to an assistant coach as Marinica took charge of the team.
The IRC’s decision is a significant victory for Mwase and a blow to FAM’s reputation.
It remains to be seen whether FAM will appeal the decision or accept the court’s ruling.
One thing is certain, however: Mwase’s perseverance and determination have finally paid off.
