BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) has delivered a decisive ruling on the abandoned TNM Super League clash between Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC, providing new insight into what went wrong and who is to blame for the chaos that unfolded at Kamuzu Stadium on 5 November 2025.
According to SULOM, the match which was expected to draw one of the biggest crowds of the month failed to reach the minimum 75-minute benchmark required for the result to stand under league regulations.
This prompted the league to order a complete replay, now scheduled for 7 December 2025, at the same venue.
Investigators appointed by SULOM examined match reports, security logs and statements from officials and stakeholders.
Their findings revealed that the abandonment was not an accident but rather the result of “multiple deficiencies” by parties who were expected to maintain professionalism throughout the fixture.
SULOM emphasized that both Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC did not adequately fulfill their obligations relating to match organization, security planning and management of supporter conduct.
These lapses contributed significantly to the disorder that forced the game to be halted prematurely.
As a result, both clubs have been handed stern warnings and suspended fines of MK5 million each. Though the fines will not be enforced immediately, SULOM warned that any similar future misconduct could activate them.
The league stated that club responsibilities must be taken seriously in order to protect the image of the game.
Referees who handled the fixture were also not spared. SULOM has recommended that the FAM Referees Committee initiate disciplinary action against the officiating team for failing to adhere to the FIFA Return to Football International Match Protocol, which provides guidelines for managing incidents, stoppages and communication during a match.
The match officials were found to have made procedural errors that contributed to the confusion on the field and among supporters.
SULOM stressed that referees must demonstrate leadership and calm in volatile moments, something that was reportedly lacking during the November 5 encounter.
Internal staff assigned to the match also faced consequences. SULOM has suspended the responsible security officer and the General Match Coordinator for four matches each.
The league cited their “infringements and lack of compliance” with required protocols as key factors that worsened the situation.
The incident has sparked debate among football followers, many of whom believe that stadium management
SULOM acknowledged these concerns indirectly by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regulatory enforcement. The organization said that the penalties issued in this case are meant to remind clubs, officials and its own staff that professional standards must be upheld at all times.
SULOM has confirmed that all stakeholders have been officially notified of the decisions and that preparatory measures are already underway to ensure the upcoming match proceeds without incident.
The league said it expects full cooperation from the clubs, security personnel and referees to protect the integrity of Malawi’s top football competition.