The National Referees Committee (NRC) has distanced itself from the National Football Coaches Association’s legal challenge against the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), saying it was neither consulted nor interested in joining the court action.
The clarification follows the Coaches Association’s successful application for a temporary court injunction allowing it to attend FAM’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 27 as an affiliate rather than as a technocrat or stakeholder.FIFA World Cup Dream Shattered: Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry
Both the National Football Coaches Association and the National Referees Committee, alongside the National Youth Football Association, lost their affiliate status during FAM’s Annual General Meeting last year. However, while the coaches opted to seek legal redress, the referees have chosen not to challenge the decision.
Speaking to Wa Mpira, National Referees Committee Chairperson Kalyoto Ngosi said the referees were surprised to learn that they had been linked to the coaches’ legal battle without their knowledge.
“We are amused because last year we were expelled from being affiliates,” said Ngosi. “We are now classified as technocrats, which means we cannot have voting rights because we are not part of the affiliate structure.”Referee Escapes Beating as Eagles Cruise to FDH Round of 16
He stressed that the referees had not authorized anyone to represent their interests in court.
“They are doing this on their own, and they haven’t consulted us. If they had consulted us, we would have told them to battle for their own position. But as referees, we know our stand, so they are doing it on their own,” he added.
The case has added another layer of uncertainty ahead of FAM’s AGM, where key football governance matters are expected to be discussed. Meanwhile, the National Referees Committee has maintained that it will not be part of the legal proceedings and will continue operating under its current status as a technocratic body.
