By Burnett Munthali
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has suspended its executive committee member, Daud Mtathiko, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct that reportedly occurred during the recent trip of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, to South Africa.
The suspension comes as a precautionary measure aimed at allowing for a full and unhindered investigation into the matter, which has already drawn significant public and media attention.
In a statement released on Sunday, FAM categorically denied reports circulating on various platforms that Mtathiko is currently in Ghana as part of the Malawi Schools Team delegation.
FAM clarified that the suspended official has no involvement in the ongoing schools’ sporting activities taking place in Accra, Ghana, contrary to some misleading claims making rounds on social media.
“Mr. Mtathiko is currently under suspension pending investigations into the allegations levelled against him. As such, he is not part of the delegation in Ghana,” reads the official communication from the association.
The football governing body emphasized that the decision to suspend Mtathiko was not a disciplinary measure, but a standard procedure meant to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the investigation.
Earlier in the week, FAM had already confirmed that it had launched an internal probe into the misconduct allegations, which were reportedly brought forward by individuals closely connected to the Scorchers’ South African tour.
The nature of the allegations, which are yet to be publicly detailed, has raised concerns over the safeguarding and welfare of female athletes, especially during international trips.
FAM has stated that it is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, vowing to protect the dignity of the sport and all stakeholders involved, especially women in football.
This development comes at a time when the global sports community is increasingly focusing on issues of gender-based violence, harassment, and the responsibility of sporting bodies to uphold ethical standards.
Stakeholders have called for a swift and transparent process that will not only determine the facts but also serve as a precedent in promoting accountability within Malawi’s football administration.
Mtathiko, a well-known figure in Malawi’s football circles, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations or the suspension.
FAM has not indicated how long the investigation is expected to take but has committed to updating the public as more facts become available.
Meanwhile, the Scorchers continue to prepare for upcoming assignments, with the association assuring the public that the welfare of players and officials remains a top priority.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains fixed on the integrity of the investigative process and the broader implications it could have for FAM’s leadership and future conduct protocols.
