By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Committee has handed referee Michael Mwambyale a three-month suspension from officiating matches organized by FAM and the Super League of Malawi (SULOM), citing poor officiation during a recent TNM Super League encounter.
The suspension follows Mwambyale’s failure to make a correct call during the heated fixture between Ekhaya FC and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium on July 3, 2025, where Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi committed a serious foul on Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju — an incident Mwambyale controversially overlooked.
In a statement released by FAM, the Referees Committee revealed that it convened on July 7 to review the match footage and assess the referee’s performance. The committee found that Mwambyale’s failure to sanction Missi constituted a breach of officiating standards, warranting disciplinary action.
As part of the punishment, Mwambyale will only be allowed to officiate matches in the National First Division League during his suspension period.
Assistant referee Fanuel Mailosi, who was also part of the officiating team during the same match, has been slapped with a two-month suspension. Like Mwambyale, Mailosi will only handle National First Division League assignments until the end of the season.
The decision by FAM underscores the association’s commitment to upholding high officiating standards and ensuring fairness in Malawi’s top-flight football competitions.
