* Forms part of broader reforms aligned with FIFA’s governance guidelines as the associations were duplicating roles already being handled by FAM’s internal departments
* This is not about removing them from football but aligning them to operate more effectively outside FAM’s political structure—FAM president Fleetwood Haiya
Maravi Express
As part of broader reforms aligned with FIFA’s world football governance guidelines, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Congress yesterday voted to revoke the membership of three associations in an effort to streamline governance and enhance professionalism within Malawi’s football structures.
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The 2025 annual general meeting held at Livingstonia Beach in Salima, the Congress unanimously voted to dismiss the associations of coaches, referees and youth football — a proposal tabled by Northern Region Football Association chairperson, Masiya Nyasulu, who argued that they were duplicating roles already being handled by FAM’s internal departments.
FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said the development forms part of broader reforms aligned with FIFA’s governance guidelines — emphasising that it is “not about removing them from football but aligning them to operate more effectively outside FAM’s political structure.”
He stressed that the three groups will continue functioning as technical and professional partners of FAM as “they will now report directly to the FAM executive through relevant sub-committees”.
“This change will allow us to support their operations more efficiently, especially in critical areas like youth development, coaching, and refereeing.”
Haiya also noted that the decision would help eliminate political interference, which has previously hampered the performance of these bodies.
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He cited challenges such as under-funded youth programs and referees being barred from international duties due to governance-related conflicts.
With the new changes, FAM now has seven member associations — the Super League of Malawi (SULOM), Women’s Football Association, Beach Soccer Association and the four regional football associations of the Centre, South, North and newly established Eastern Region.
Haiya further highlights of the changes on his official Facebook page — themed; ‘Transforming Football Governance: A Bold Step Towards Professionalism’ — saying “from political or voting affiliates to professional partners, the resolution is not just administrative — it is deeply, transformational”.
“It reflects our commitment to modern football governance where accountability, transparency and functional specialisation take precedence over electoral politics.
“By realigning these associations with their technical mandates, we are ensuring that they operate with the independence and focus needed to truly develop the game.”
Haiya reports that the youth association thus is now repositioned as a driving force in grassroots football and beyond it former role, it will now lead in the development of grassroots football for both boys and girls.
These include oversights of football academies and school of excellence, capacity-building for young referees and technical officials: “This bold restructuring empowers the next generation and lays a solid foundation for long-term success,” says Haiya.
On the coaches and referees associations, he reports that they will now focus “purely on professional and technical excellence”, whose role include implementing coaching education and referee training programmes.
It further includes collaborating with local and international partners to enhance quality and supporting FAM’s goal of consistent, credible officiating and coaching — emphasising that “these are not just support structures, they are catalysts for elevating the quality of football in Malawi”.
On transformative and strategic allegiance, Haiya says it is aligned with FAM’s Strategic Plan & Transformative Agenda, which prioritises institutional reform, capacity building and the development of a thriving football ecosystem.
“As President of FAM, I am proud of the unity and vision demonstrated by our General Assembly. Together, we are building a future where every arm of football is empowered to deliver its mandate without fear of favour.
“Let’s us continue on this path of reform, professionalism and excellence — for the game, for the nation, and for the next generation.—Content by Fam.mw; edited by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
