Haiya feels honoured with Fifa president’s support

 Newly elected Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya says he feels greatly honoured by Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s pledge for support.

The world football governing body’s head pledged his full support to Haiya and the new FAM executive committee in a congratulatory letter dated December 17 2023.

Haiya was elected FAM president on Saturday at Sunbird Mzuzu after beating his predecessor Walter Nyamilandu, who served for 19 years, by 23 votes against 13.

He said: “It’s an inspiration to get an assurance of support from the Fifa president himself and it is a big motivation as I embark on this new journey of transforming Malawi football.”

Part of the letter from Infantino reads: “Please accept my warmest greetings and sincerest congratulations on your election as president of the Football Association of Malawi.

“Your knowledge and leadership, your passion and experience will undoubtedly have an important impact on the development of our beautiful game in Malawi.

“Convinced of the potential of football in the country, you can count on my personal support and the help of Fifa to achieve this goal. The doors of Fifa are always open if you wish to discuss our sport, its development and the promotion of its values.”

Infantino also congratulated the entire executive committee.

“I wish you and your team good luck and success for all the challenges that lie ahead in creating and witnessing a lasting legacy for the future of football in Malawi,” the letter further reads.

During the elections, presided over by the FAM electoral committee, Madalitso Christopher Kuyera was ushered in as first vice-president while Lameck Zetu Khonje was elected second vice-president while Daud Mtanthiko, Chimango Munthali, Patrick Kapanga, Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa and Fellister Dossi were elected executive committee members.