BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has unveiled a new mechanism designed to bring justice closer to the game.
The move signals a fresh chapter where disputes will no longer linger unresolved or be pushed beyond the country’s borders.
The announcement was made in Blantyre at Chiwembe on Wednesday by FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, who confirmed the establishment of a specialized tribunal dedicated to football matters.
The body has been officially named the National Dispute Resolution Chamber.
This newly formed chamber is expected to handle all disputes arising within Malawi’s football ecosystem. From contractual disagreements to disciplinary issues, the chamber will serve as the ultimate authority for resolving conflicts within the domestic game.
Haiya emphasized that the creation of the chamber is not an isolated development, but part of a broader global reform agenda championed by FIFA.
The initiative aligns with international efforts to decentralize dispute resolution and empower national associations.
For years, many football related disputes had to be escalated beyond Malawi, often consuming time and financial resources.
The introduction of this chamber changes that narrative, ensuring cases are handled locally, efficiently and with better understanding of the domestic football environment.
At the heart of the chamber’s leadership is Justice Lovemore Chikopa, who has been appointed as chairperson.
He will lead an independent committee tasked with ensuring fairness, transparency and professionalism in all proceedings.
The independence of the committee is a key pillar of its credibility.
By operating separately from FAM’s administrative structures, the chamber is expected to deliver impartial decisions that uphold the integrity of the sport.
Haiya further highlighted that the initiative will significantly reduce the time taken to resolve disputes.
Quick and fair rulings are expected to restore confidence among players, clubs and other stakeholders within the football fraternity.
Beyond dispute resolution, the chamber is also seen as a tool for raising professional standards in Malawian football.
It introduces a structured legal framework that aligns with global best practices.