FDH Bank plc has lifted its suspension on all its sports sponsorships valued at K7.5 billion, ending a cloud of uncertainty over top-flight football and netball league as well as the Flames support, among others.

The bank suspended the sponsorships a last week, a day after the launch of the inaugural five-year K5 billion sponsorship was postponed in controversial circumstances following a venue stand-off between Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

 Part of the statement released by the bank yesterday reads: “FDH Bank is pleased to announce the lifting of the temporary suspension of all [its] sports sponsorships, following a series of constructive engagements with Super League of Malawi and other key stakeholders.

“These engagements provided an opportunity to reflect, realign and reaffirm the fundamental principles that will guide the partnerships going forward.”

“As a home-grown and proudly Malawian bank, FDH Bank plc believes that sport is a powerful tool for national development, economic empowerment, social cohesion and nurturing talent.”

The bank added that the resumption of the sponsorships reinforces their long-standing commitment to the people of Malawi in supporting the growth of sports.

“We recognise the significant role that sports continue to play in the country and we are committed not only to sustaining its current impact, but to also help build a stronger and more inclusive future for the next generation of athletes,” the statement further reads.

Reacting to the development, Sulom president Gilbert Mittawa said: “As Sulom, we are very excited with this news and we thank FDH Bank plc for their unconditional reconsideration.

“We also appreciate that they considered our viewpoints. Lessons have been learnt and moving forward, we will do better.”

On the other hand, FAM operations  director Gomezgani Zalazaka also hailed the bank for its move.

He said: “It is good news that every football loving Malawian would love to hear. FDH Bank is the biggest shareholder in as far as football development is concerned.

“So, to have their commitment towards continued sponsorship is a blessing and we will continue to work with FDH Bank so that we give them the value they deserve.

In a seperate interview, Netball Association of Malawi president Vitumbiko Gubuduza described the resumption of sports sponsorships as good news and she thanked FDH Bank for the action taken. 

“We appeal and remind sports associations to ensure that sponsorships are protected. We trust the Malawi National Council of Sports will also continue to provide guidance on sports governance and best practices to all disciplines,” she said.

Sports Council board chairperson Jim Kalua also thanked the bank for lifting the sponsorship suspension.

He said: “It is a welcome development and I am very happy because it was not easy to save the sponsorship. FDH is a key partner as they do not only sponsor football and their investment is massive.

“Going forward, we will ensure that we create a conducive environment for sponsors and we will engage all stakeholders to ensure that we safeguard sponsorships. We will not tolerate a repeat of what happened.”

FDH Bank plc sponsorship package includes K5 billion for the top-flight football league, K1.2 billion for the flagship netball leagues, K1 billion for the Flames, K350 million for Massa and K22 million towards mayor’s trophies.

The bank suspended the sponsorship following a stand-off between Sulom and FAM on the venue for the launch, which included an opening match between champions Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United as FAM insisted that Kamuzu Stadium had not been approved to host elite matches.

 In its statement when it suspended the sponsorship, the listed bank said it was disappointed and concerned with the events that led to the postponement of the league and would review all sponsorships.

Sulom, FAM, Sports Council and the ministry then took turns to apologise to the bank.