By Suleman Chitera
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken a significant step towards improving governance in the game by establishing a National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC), a body aimed at handling football-related disputes swiftly and fairly.
The chamber was officially launched on Wednesday at Chiwembe in Blantyre, marking what FAM President Fleetwood Haiya described as a turning point in the administration of football justice in the country.
Haiya said the introduction of the NDRC will help eliminate delays that have often plagued the resolution of disputes in Malawian football.
“This body will ensure that cases are handled much faster than before, allowing the game to progress without unnecessary interruptions caused by prolonged conflicts,” he said.
The NDRC will be responsible for resolving a wide range of disputes involving players, coaches, clubs, referees, and other key stakeholders in the football ecosystem.
Chairperson of the chamber, Lovemore Chikopa—who also serves as Deputy Chief Justice of Malawi—emphasized the importance of fairness and independence in the handling of cases.
“We are committed to ensuring impartiality in all proceedings. Justice will always prevail, regardless of the parties involved,” Chikopa said.
The establishment of the chamber is expected to bring professionalism and credibility to the handling of football disputes, aligning Malawi’s football structures with international best practices.
With conflicts in football often affecting performance on the pitch, the move is seen as a timely intervention that will promote stability and integrity within the sport.
The NDRC is now set to begin operations, offering a formal platform where grievances can be addressed efficiently—ushering in a new era of accountability in Malawian football.
