FAM Unveils Record MK15.3 Billion Budget in Line With Transforming Agendas

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has set its sights on transforming the nation’s football landscape after approving an ambitious MK15.3 billion budget for 2026, marking a substantial 40 percent increase from the previous year’s projections.

The record budget, ratified during a virtual Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday, signals a new era of investment in Malawian football, with enhanced focus on youth development, infrastructure upgrades, and international competitiveness.

FAM President Fleetwood Haiya acknowledged the challenging economic conditions under which the budget was crafted, noting the pressures of high inflation, fiscal constraints, and foreign exchange volatility that continue to affect the nation.

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“We have developed a realistic, disciplined and growth-oriented budget, guided by The FAM Strategic Plan, The FIFA Forward 3.0 framework, and our shared vision of transforming football into a competitive, professionally run and financially sustainable industry,” Haiya explained.

Despite these headwinds, the association projects total expenditure of MK14.8 billion, leaving an anticipated surplus of MK507 million earmarked for capital projects and long-term development initiatives.

Revenue Sources and Major Investments

The budget draws from multiple revenue streams, including FIFA funding, government support, corporate partnerships, broadcasting rights, and gate collections. FIFA project funding remains central to FAM’s plans, with several major infrastructure developments on the horizon.

Key projects include construction and rehabilitation work at Mpira Stadium, Luwinga, and MDC facilities, alongside the development of a dedicated beach soccer stadium—a first for the country.

Operational football programmes command the lion’s share of resources, with MK8.9 billion allocated to support activities ranging from elite competition to grassroots development. The association plans to participate in 16 international engagements across senior, youth, and beach soccer categories.

Senior national teams will receive MK3.8 billion to support their campaigns in competitions including the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Women’s AFCON (which doubles as World Cup qualifiers), and COSAFA tournaments. The budget sets clear performance targets, including AFCON qualification for the men’s team and reaching semi-finals across age groups in regional competitions.

Junior national teams will benefit from a significantly increased allocation of MK1.6 billion, reflecting FAM’s commitment to building a robust talent pipeline. Additionally, MK727 million has been dedicated to youth development programmes, including support for the Nthanda Under-14 and M’mera Mpoyamba Under-16 leagues, as well as the Luwinga Inclusive Academy.

The budget also prioritizes capacity building and governance, with MK527 million allocated for training coaches, referees, administrators, and match safety personnel through courses, workshops, and seminars.

In a historic move, FAM has allocated MK40 million in subventions to member associations, plus MK10 million each to the Football Players Association and Football Legends Association—both of which attended the General Assembly for the first time.

“Our vision commits to greater inclusion of players and key stakeholders within the association’s governance structures,” Haiya emphasized, noting that both associations will be permanent fixtures at future gatherings alongside other professional and technical partners.

Beyond immediate competition needs, the budget includes increased investment in marketing, events, and commercial activities aimed at transforming football into a sustainable business enterprise in Malawi.

President Haiya expressed confidence in the plan’s feasibility, describing it as strategic, ambitious, and achievable—a blueprint that aligns financial resources with clear development objectives while maintaining fiscal discipline and transparency.