Blantyre — Further financial irregularities at the Football Association of Malawi have been uncovered as the government steps up its investigations into missing figures.

Suspended FAM vice president, Sunduzwayo Madise has been asked to account for $6,000, which was a donation from Malawi president, Bakili Muluzi to the national team, the Flames. The money was to be used to purchase kits for the Flames World and Nations Cup campaigns.

Madise's boss, FAM president, Amos Kainja, has also been accused of illegally using the association's funds to pay for his medical bills. The investigations are yet to reveal how much was spent during his two-week stay at the Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre.

As part of the government's investigation, Malawian sports minister, Moses Dossi has appointed an independent body to probe the accounts of FAM. Some members of FAM are in favour of its dissolution, but Kainja said he will not step down.

Investigations at the FAM were first launched after its vice president, Madise was accused of accepting illegal payments while negotiating television rights for the country's World Cup qualifying game against South Africa.

Television rights for the 2002 World Cup qualifier between Malawi and South Africa scheduled for February 25 had been sold for $100,000.

The anti-corruption bureau of Malawi says it will carry out thorough investigation and will make its report public.