Malawi's competition watchdog has ordered TNM Mpamba Limited to alter its exclusive digital ticketing system for Super League football matches. The Competition and Fair Trading Commission determined Wednesday that the arrangement violates competition laws by restricting consumer payment options. Chief Executive Officer Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma announced the decision during a Blantyre press conference. The commission found that requiring fans to use only Mpamba's platform and debit cards blocks rival mobile money services. Banks and other financial institutions would also face exclusion under the current system.
The arrangement contradicts national payment system regulations from 2017 and 2018 that promote digital platform interoperability. Commission investigators concluded that exclusive ticketing would reduce market competition and limit fan payment choices. The regulator acknowledged potential benefits from electronic ticketing while emphasizing accessibility concerns. Low public awareness among supporters and club officials raised additional red flags for commissioners. The system must accommodate multiple payment providers to comply with existing financial regulations.
TNM Mpamba must implement both electronic and physical ticketing systems simultaneously for six months as a transition measure. The company has one year to open its platform to competing payment service providers. Officials must launch comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting football clubs and supporters. Progress reports must reach the commission every three months for the next two years. The directive aims to preserve competition while modernizing ticket sales.
The arrangement contradicts national payment system regulations from 2017 and 2018 that promote digital platform interoperability. Commission investigators concluded that exclusive ticketing would reduce market competition and limit fan payment choices. The regulator acknowledged potential benefits from electronic ticketing while emphasizing accessibility concerns. Low public awareness among supporters and club officials raised additional red flags for commissioners. The system must accommodate multiple payment providers to comply with existing financial regulations.
TNM Mpamba must implement both electronic and physical ticketing systems simultaneously for six months as a transition measure. The company has one year to open its platform to competing payment service providers. Officials must launch comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting football clubs and supporters. Progress reports must reach the commission every three months for the next two years. The directive aims to preserve competition while modernizing ticket sales.
