The Football Legends Association (FLA) has come under scrutiny over its plan to raise K250 million to support its members despite having already raised K192 million.
FLA says it will hold a fundraising dinner on Saturday at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata expected to be the guest of honour.
FLA chairperson Jim Kalua said preparations for the event have been completed and that the association will sell 300 tracksuits imported from outside the country during the event.
But the announcement has attracted questions from some Facebook users who are questioning the need for another fundraising event when the association says it has already raised K192 million.
Wellington Wa Maule Bango questioned the figures, pointing out that only K58 million remains to reach the K250 million target.
“250-192=58. Why not just continue with what you are doing until you reach the target?” he commented.
Samson Zinyowe Chimchere also questioned the need for further fundraising, suggesting that the association should use the money already raised and seek additional support for the remaining amount.
Another commenter, Thom Chithumbe, similarly questioned why the association could not simply raise the outstanding K58 million, saying the target was already within reach.
Aubrey Kanawa suggested that FLA could appeal directly to well-wishers to help cover the remaining amount rather than incurring additional costs through the fundraising event.
The comments have raised questions about how the K192 million already collected will be used and how much of the money will directly benefit FLA members.
The association has said the K250 million target is intended to support its members, but it has not been explained in the Facebook post how the K192 million raised so far has been allocated.
The fundraising also brings renewed attention to the welfare of former footballers in Malawi and the financial challenges some football legends may face after retiring from the sport.
FLA now faces questions over its fundraising strategy, including why it needs to hold another event when it says it is only K58 million short of its target and how much of the funds raised will ultimately reach its members.
