FAM Apologises Over Mayor Peter Banda Incident as NBS Bank Distances Itself
Published on April 20, 2026 at 9:29 AM by Evance Kapito
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has issued an apology following the controversial incident involving Lilongwe City Mayor Peter Alex Banda during the NBS Charity Shield medal presentation at Bingu National Stadium.
The incident, which occurred on April 18, 2026, sparked public outrage after a video circulated on social media showing the mayor being removed from the podium during the ceremony.
In a press statement dated April 19, FAM expressed “sincere and unreserved apologies” to the mayor, Lilongwe City Council, and the general public, acknowledging that the situation fell short of expected standards.
FAM attributed the incident to a “protocol oversight at the operational level” and emphasized that it was not related to the event sponsor. The association said it is reviewing the matter internally and working with stakeholders to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
Meanwhile, NBS Bank has also issued a statement expressing regret over the incident but clarified that it was not involved in the removal of the mayor.
The bank stated that its role in the Charity Shield was limited to sponsorship, while event coordination, protocol, and security were handled by organizers under FAM and FIFA guidelines.
“NBS Bank personnel were not involved in any security-related action or in the removal of any individual from the stage,” reads part of the statement.
The bank further indicated that it is engaging FAM and other stakeholders to better understand what transpired and to help improve future event coordination.
The development follows calls for an apology from various stakeholders, including Blantyre City Mayor Jomo Osman, who, alongside others, condemned the treatment of Mayor Banda.
Despite the controversy, NBS Bank highlighted that the Charity Shield remains an important platform for promoting unity, sporting excellence, and social impact, noting that this year’s proceeds will support the Green Girls Boarding Initiative in partnership with Plan International Malawi.
