The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has suspended two referees, namely Michael Mwambyale and Fanuel Mailosi, for three and two months, respectively, over poor performance.
This follows a blunder-filled performance during a TNM Super League match between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Ekhaya FC on July 2, 2025 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Fam, in a letter dated July 8, 2025, announced that Mwambyale would not officiate any Fam and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) sanctioned matches from July 7, 2025 to October 2, 2025.
“The referees’ committee agreed that Mwambyale, after completing the three months’ suspension in Fam and Sulom games, be relegated to the National Division League (NDL) up to the end of the season. This will help Mr Mwambyale to gain more game-time so that he can improve his ability in game management,” the letter reads.
Mwambyale was reluctant to comment on the matter Wednesday.
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“Fam has made the decision; so, no comment from me,” he said.
Similarly, Mailosi has been ordered not to officiate matches with effect from July 7, 2025 to September 7, 2025.
Mailosi will also be demoted to the second-tier league after completing his two-month suspension.
But first assistant referee Happiness Mbandambanda, fourth official Benson Phiri and match assessor Bester Banda have escaped punishment.
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Meanwhile, Fam has recommended to Sulom to reprimand Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi for violent conduct.
“The committee recommended to Sulom that Missi should be reprimanded for barbaric behaviour as he was not punished during this game,” the letter reads.
Mailosi was not readily available for a comment.
Meanwhile, Bullets Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga has welcomed the decision.
“It is a landmark decision. What we saw there was very disgusting in a game of football. Referees must handle matches in line with laws of the game,” Chigoga said.
During the match, Missi grasped Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju’s neck after a mid-air collision.
As Babatunde attempted to push the hand away, Missi charged at him aggressively. There was pushing and shoving from players from both teams.
However, Mwambyale did not flash any card to the players. Mwambyale was also suspended for six months last season following his controversial decision to disallow Mighty Tigers goal against Mighty Wanderers at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
He was also at fault for failing to eject striker Christopher Kumwembe, who had received two yellow cards.
