By Draxon Maloya
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is facing intense criticism following its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Salima, where several key resolutions were passed.
The removal of three affiliate bodies – National Referees, National Football Coaches, and the National Youth Football Committee – from the executive body has sparked outrage among soccer pundits.
Karonga United chairperson Deacon Chipanga accused FAM President of orchestrating the move to silence critical voices.
“We cannot move on like this. Some members, like Chimango Munthali, have made significant contributions to Malawi football,” Chipanga said.
Renowned football commentator Kim Kamawu questioned the logic behind axing the National Youth Football Committee while sparing the National Beach Soccer Committee.
“Why excommunicate the national youth football committee and keep beach soccer, which is draining our meager resources?” Kamawu wondered.
Sports analyst, Kondanani Chilimunthaka and the Northern region Mighty Wanderers supporters chairperson Yosefe Misinde described the FAM’s AGM as a “coup de tat” to Malawi football.
“Malawi football is ambushed in broad daylight,” Misinde said.
Award-winning sports journalist Pledge Jali raised concerns about the FAM executive’s mandate, questioning their legitimacy if elected by ineligible affiliate bodies.
“If the three axed affiliate bodies were irregular, FAM would call for an elective general assembly to authenticate their mandate,” Jali said.
Despite efforts to seek FAM’s response, the leadership remained unreachable.
The Football Association of Malawi Congress on Saturday voted to revoke the membership of the three Member Associations in an effort to streamline governance and enhance professionalism.
