FAM gets life-saving machine from Fifa

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has received a defibrillator and a massaging board from Fifa.

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the donation was made last week in Johannesburg, South Africa. He said Fifa promised to give the equipment to all its member associations during the Fifa Congress that was held in Budapest, Hungary in May this year.

“The equipment is in the process of being cleared and it should be in the custody of FAM by the end of the week,” said Nyirenda.

A defibrillator is a life-saving device that applies sharp electrical shocks to the heart when its beating becomes dangerously rapid and chaotic.

“We have seen and heard a number of cardiac arrests in football of late and we hope this machine will play a vital role in saving the lives of players,” said Nyirenda.

He said the machine will be available at all international matches, but with the guidance of FAM executive committee.

The machine recently saved the life of former England Under-21 international Fabrice Muamba after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Cameroon’s international Marc-Vivien Foe passed on after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Some notable players who died after suffering cardiac arrests in the line of duty on the local scene are Christopher John Banda and Patrick Mvula.