The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has accused its affiliate, the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), of violating football statutes after the body defied directives and proceeded to schedule a top-flight match at an uncertified venue, plunging the new season’s launch into chaos.
The opening fixture between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United, which was scheduled for Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday, was thrown into disarray after match officials failed to appear, having been ordered not to officiate at the venue.
Kamuzu Stadium is among three grounds, alongside Nankhaka Stadium and Mzuzu Stadium, that failed to meet minimum standards during inspections conducted by Fam’s Club Licencing First Insurance Body (FIB).
The inspections began in January 2026.
Despite the stadium’s uncertified status, Sulom pressed ahead with plans to host the match, with title sponsors FDH Bank plc branding the venue for the season launch.
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According to reports, referees Mwayi Msungama, Happiness Mbandambanda, Sibusiso Sibande and Cedrick Mwachumu were subsequently instructed to withdraw from the fixture, leaving the stadium in scenes of confusion.
Addressing the media at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre Sunday, Fam President Fleetwood Haiya outlined the sequence of events leading to the postponement, insisting that the association had maintained consistent communication with all stakeholders, including Sulom, clubs and sponsors, over the stadium’s disqualification.
“After all these events, you will see that Super League of Malawi has not been abiding by the laws. We gave them directives that Kamuzu Stadium is not fit to host matches but they did not want to listen and proceeded to put the game at the uncertified venue.
“All our statements and actions were clear; the stadium was not approved by FIB. Sulom disregarded the directive from its mother body, Fam, which is, indeed, in violation of Fam’s statutes,” he said.
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Haiya announced that Sulom would be summoned to a disciplinary hearing, with outcomes to be made public.
He maintained that Fam’s decision to bar Kamuzu Stadium from hosting elite matches was taken in good faith, with the safety of players, fans and the integrity of the game at heart.
“All our actions are aimed at providing the best facilities for the game and protecting the safety of those who come to the stadiums,” he said.
The fallout deepened on Sunday morning when FDH Bank plc announced the suspension of its sponsorship of all sporting activities, including the elite league, citing concerns over the weekend’s events.
