With less than 48 hours to kick-off, FAM shuts down SULOM’s bid to use the banned Kamuzu Stadium for the league opener, threatening sanctions and demanding an immediate venue switch — but Mighty Wanderers say the disruption is already too damaging to reverse
The 2026 FDH Bank Premiership is set to kick off in controversy after the Football Association of Malawi rejected SULOM’s eleventh-hour request to use Kamuzu Stadium for Saturday’s season opener between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United — leaving the match without a confirmed venue less than 48 hours before kick-off.
The Super League of Malawi had listed Kamuzu Stadium as the host venue for the much-anticipated launch of the 2026/27 season, despite FAM’s Club Licensing First Insurance Body having already banned the ground from elite competition after it failed to meet the minimum required standards.
Earlier this week, SULOM told Atlas Malawi that it was optimistic FAM would approve the stadium, citing ongoing work to address the shortfalls identified in the licensing report. On Thursday, SULOM formally wrote to the Association requesting a final inspection and verification of the outstanding issues.
“The Super League of Malawi would like to inform you that the official launch match between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United will be held at Kamuzu Stadium,” read the letter, signed by SULOM General Secretary Williams Banda and addressed to FAM’s Chief Executive Officer. “We kindly request the Football Association of Malawi to proceed with final verifications on issues observed. Kindly treat this matter with urgency to facilitate smooth preparations for the season kick-off.”
FAM’s response was blunt. In a letter signed the same day by FAM General Secretary Abdulrahman Chiwalo, the governing body said the inspection request had arrived far too late, with the match scheduled for Saturday, 25th April. Chiwalo warned that ignoring the directive to relocate the fixture could result in penalties under club licensing regulations.
“Based on the foregoing, we wish to advise that the request has been submitted less than 48 hours before the scheduled match. This timeframe is insufficient to allow for a comprehensive inspection and for the relevant committee to adequately deliberate and make an informed decision on the suitability of the venue,” Chiwalo wrote.
“You are therefore advised to consider an alternative venue for the said match to allow sufficient time for the inspection process and subsequent decision-making. Please note that failure to comply with this directive may result in the imposition of penalties in accordance with the applicable club licensing regulations. We remain committed to upholding standards in transforming the game.”
FAM recently inspected 21 venues across the country and approved 14 for elite competition. Kamuzu Stadium was among those that fell short, alongside Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe and Mzuzu Stadium. FAM Licensing Manager Clement Kafwafwa noted that stadium owners had been given time to address the identified deficiencies since January, but several issues remained unresolved.
Mighty Wanderers Director of Football Operations, Counsel David Kanyenda, said a last-minute venue change would cause significant disruption for all parties involved.
“The proposed late switch is unprecedented, has caused significant logistical and financial disruption to clubs and stakeholders, and undermines confidence in the competence and transparency of local football regulators. At this stage, it is too late to implement a fair and orderly relocation,” Kanyenda said.
