‘Tussle over SULOM-FAM’

A contentious power struggle in football is set to be addressed at the disciplinary table following a decision that resulted in a match between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United being abandoned, leaving fans stranded and police resorting to tear gas at Kamuzu Stadium.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has leveled five disciplinary charges against the Super League of Malawi (SULOM), accusing the league organization of willfully disregarding a safety directive that prohibited matches at Kamuzu Stadium.

FAM asserts that SULOM proceeded to organize a fixture despite the directive issued on April 23, leading to a standoff that culminated in the match being called off after fans had already entered the venue.

The cancellation incited frustration among supporters, escalating into chaos that necessitated police intervention with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In a letter dated June 12, 2026, addressed to SULOM Chief Executive Officer Faith Mzungu, FAM Chief Executive Officer Abdul Chiwalo detailed five charges against the league body.

The charges encompass failure to uphold FAM’s authority and prevent legal violations, non-compliance with FAM statutes and safety protocols, failure to maintain match integrity and competition standards, intentional disregard for lawful FAM directives, and actions that tarnish the reputation of football by undermining FAM’s governance.

“SULOM ignored the directive and went ahead to schedule a match,” FAM states in the specifics of the charges.

The case is set to be reviewed by FAM’s Disciplinary Committee on Saturday, June 20, at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.

In the meantime, SULOM General Secretary Williams Banda has acknowledged receipt of the notice, confirming that the league body will appear before the committee to respond to the charges.