LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Lilongwe City Council Mayor Alex Peter Banda, has dismissed an apology from the Football Association of Malawi arguing that “It’s not enough to resolve the controversy surrounding a recent incident at Bingu National Stadium”
In a statement released on April 20, Banda said while he acknowledged the apology issued by FAM over the events of April 18 during the NBS Charity Shield medal presentation ceremony, the matter remains unresolved.
“An apology alone does not close this matter,” Banda said, insisting that those responsible for the alleged protocol breach must be identified.
FAM has attributed the incident to a “protocol oversight at the operational level” and accepted responsibility.
However, the mayor has backed a directive by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture demanding a detailed report within 48 hours outlining the sequence of events and naming those involved.
Banda said he would not accept what he described as a “sanitised or evasive account,” emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
He has since invited FAM leadership to a meeting at Lilongwe City Council to review the report and agree on corrective measures, warning that the issue must be resolved in a manner that restores respect for public office.
On the role of NBS Bank, the event sponsor, Banda said his office is engaging the institution on various development initiatives and would not assign blame unless the report indicates otherwise.
The mayor also acknowledged support from Isaac Jomo Osman, president of the Malawi Local Government Association, who has called for respect toward local government leaders.
Banda warned that legal action could be pursued if the report reveals deliberate wrongdoing, stressing that he would not tolerate any recurrence of such incidents.
Despite the dispute, he assured residents that development programmes under his #ListeningLilongwe agenda would continue, urging the public to demand accountability while remaining focused on the city’s broader progress.
