Three Member Associations delisted from FAM at contentious AGM

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has voted to delist three of its member associations – the National Coaches Association, the Referees Association, and the National Youth Football Association – from its affiliation. The controversial decision was made today during FAM’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Sunbird Hotel in Salima.

The proposal, put forth by Northern Region Football Association Chairperson Masiya Nyasulu, argued that the three associations were performing duties already undertaken by FAM itself.

Despite objections from Aubrey Nankhuni, Chairperson of the National Coaches Association, and Tiyankhe Chavula, Chairperson of the National Youth Football Association, who both called for a review of the matter, the motion passed with a significant majority. A total of 31 out of 42 delegates present at the AGM voted in favor of the delisting.

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FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, in an interview with Wa Mpira, stated that the move to remove the three associations’ voting rights has been contemplated for approximately two decades, but previous leaderships had shied away from it to secure votes.

“We are not saying that they will not be working, they will be working but we are saying that they will not be voting; we don’t want them to be involved in politics hence, they will not be responsible for voting during elections,” Haiya explained.

He added that the continued affiliation of these associations with voting power has hindered the progress of Malawian football. “Our Football has been failing to move forward and keeping these Associations has been one of the causing factors. The mission of FAM is to transform Football.”

Haiya emphasized that the delisted associations would still perform their core functions but would be removed from the political sphere of FAM.

“We don’t want Referees, coaches and youths associations to be involved in politics. Youth development is for Football Association of Malawi,” he said, citing examples like the Luwinga Inclusive Academy being under FAM and the relationship between Malawi Schools Sports Association and FAM.

Haiya said even the National Referees Chair had acknowledged that this move was discussed years ago but was not implemented due to vote considerations. Haiya also pointed out that the Youth, Referees, and Coaches Associations are not recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as voting entities.