LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) officials, led by President Fleetwood Haiya, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.
The meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration for the development of football in Malawi.
In her opening remarks, Minister Wiskes commended FAM for its efforts in promoting football across the country.
She emphasized the importance of synergy among key stakeholders to advance the sport.
“There is need for FAM, the Malawi National Council of Sports and the Ministry to pull in the same direction to achieve more in football,” she said.
Wiskes urged FAM to uphold integrity in all its operations, promoting sportsmanship and ensuring that football remains a clean and respected sport.
The Minister also highlighted the potential for combining sports and cultural activities during match events, especially at halftime, noting that this could enhance fan engagement and create a more vibrant match-day experience.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya provided an overview of the association’s structure, activities, funding sources and strategic plans for the future.
Haiya disclosed that FAM faces financial challenges, including outstanding debts of about K600 million that need to be cleared to allow smooth operations.
“We have received K1.4 billion from government this financial year, mainly directed at our senior national teams, but the debts remain a major concern,” Haiya added.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), Ivy Chinangwa, praised FAM for its governance standards and compliance.
“FAM is a model of integrity, accountability and transparency among the 48 associations registered under MNCS,” Chinangwa said, adding that the association sets a benchmark for others to follow.
The meeting concluded with a call for strengthened partnerships among FAM, the Ministry and MNCS to professionalize football further and maximize its impact on youth development and community engagement.
Officials from FAM, MNCS, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture were all in attendance, reaffirming a shared commitment to the growth and governance of football in Malawi.
