Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has advised its stakeholders, including clubs, players, supporters and match officials, to take precautionary measures in view of the heatwave being experienced in the country.
In a statement, FAM has come up with measures to safeguard the health and safety of players and match officials.
The measures include mandatory cooling breaks in both halves, “preferably in the 25th and 70th minutes with additional measures taken where necessary depending on the prevailing weather conditions”.
Reads the statement in part: “Clubs must provide sufficient drinking water for players and technical officials before, during and after matches to maintain proper hydration.
“Medical preparedness: Match organisers must ensure that medical personnel and first aid facilities are readily available to respond promptly to heat-related emergencies.”
FAM also emphasises that the safety and well-being of players, match officials and supporters remains a priority at all times.
“All clubs, match commissioners and referees are urged to cooperate in implementing these precautionary measures throughout the period of high temparatures. Football safety remains everyone’s responsibility,” the statement further reads.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it already put in place measures to mitigate the heat wave.
Sulom vice-general secretary Donnex Chilonga said in an interview that delaying kick-off of matches from 2.30pm to 3pm, is part of the measures.
“We have also emphasised the need to have cooling breaks to avoid dehydration and ensure that first aid medical facilities are available at all match venues,” he said.
