Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has given stadium owners three month to renovate their facilities to meet minimum requirements or risk being barred from hosting elite matches in the 2026 season.
The ultimatum follows a nationwide inspection exercise by FAM’s competitions and club licensing department which found some venues falling short of the standards required in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.
FAM competitions and club licensing manager Clement Kafwafwa said in an interview yesterday that the inspection was intended to assess progress made since previous assessments and to ensure that venues are fit to host top-flight football this season.
He said: “We have commenced the preliminary stadium inspection process for the upcoming season. During this phase, we engaged with venue owners to discuss, assess and jointly evaluate the key challenges identified in previous inspections, with the objective of ensuring measurable improvements ahead of the new season.”
Kafwafwa said they inspected the quality of playing surfaces as well as the presence and effectiveness of drainage systems which have been a recurring concern at several match venues, especially in rainy season.
He added that sanitary facilities are also under scrutiny, with inspectors assessing the availability and condition of toilets, as well as other essential amenities such as functional scoreboards and adequate emergency and safety provisions within stadiums.
“The aim is to ensure that all venues meet minimum standards that guarantee safety, comfort and professionalism for players, officials and supporters,” he said.
According to FAM, the preliminary inspection exercise is expected to be concluded by Tuesday.
Following this phase, Kafwafwa said venue owners have been informed of the minimum compliance standards and timelines required to upgrade their facilities.
“Venue owners will be afforded approximately three months to address and rectify all identified shortcomings. They have been advised that failure to meet the stipulated standards within the given timeframe will not be excusable, as adequate notice and guidance have been provided to facilitate full compliance ahead of the new season,” he said.
FAM has so far inspected Chitipa Stadium, Karonga Stadium, Rumphi Stadium and Mzuzu Stadium in the Northern Region; Civo Stadium, Bingu National Stadium, Nankhaka Stadium and Silver Stadium in Lilongwe; Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota; Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji and Champion Stadium in Dowa.
Yesterday, the team was wrapping up inspection of Dedza Stadium, Balaka Stadium, Mangochi Stadium and Zomba Stadium.
Kafwafwa said the inspection exercise will wrap up with tours of Mwanza Stadium, Kamuzu Stadium, Mulanje Stadium and Mpira Stadium.
Mzuzu City Council public relations officer McDonald Gondwe said the council closed Mzuzu Stadium to allow for the construction of an irrigation and drainage system, among other renovations.
He said: “Work is already underway at the stadium.”
Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture spokesperson McMillan Mwale said FAM was better placed to comment on the outcome of the inspection of facilities under the ministry.
He said: “Details of the results of the inspection will be shared by FAM.”
During a recent tour of Kamuzu Stadium, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes expressed concern over the stadium’s dilapidated condition.
She singled out broken toilets as a concern to fans’ health.
