FAM Defends Kamuzu Stadium Decision, Blames SULOM for Ignoring Safety Advice

President of the Football Association of Malawi, Fleethood Haiya, says the association had warned the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) against hosting matches at Kamuzu Stadium, citing safety concerns.

Haiya said FAM advised that the stadium was not fit to host games, but SULOM went ahead with arrangements despite the warning.

He revealed that on Thursday, FAM received a letter from Super League of Malawi indicating that the issues at Kamuzu Stadium had been addressed and that the match could proceed. However, Haiya said the time given to verify the claims was too short.

The development follows the cancellation of a Super League match between Mighty Wanderers FC and Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Speaking at a press briefing, Haiya apologized to Malawians, sponsors, and the teams involved, including FDH Bank, for the disruption.

He emphasized that the decision to stop the match was based on the need to protect lives, warning that any incident resulting in injuries or deaths would damage the reputation of FAM and its partners.

Haiya also expressed concern over what he described as SULOM’s disregard for FAM’s authority and guidelines.

In response, SULOM General Secretary Williams Banda said the league body will not immediately comment on the matter and will wait to be formally engaged by FAM.

FAM says it will take steps to ensure similar incidents do not happen again, stressing that safety remains its top priority.