Delegates during the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday passed a proposal to remove three Affiliate associations, a decision objected by some football followers.
These associations are the National Football Youth Association, National Football Coaches Association and National Referees Association as member associations.
Approving the decision means the three associations will no longer have voting rights at FAM’s elective general meetings as it has been the case before.
The entire spectacle began when Masiya Nyasulu, the chairperson of the Northern Region Football association, suggested that the three be eliminated, citing that having them there would cause a duplication of effort because FAM already had systems in place to supervise their responsibilities.
Nyasulu’s proposal excited FAM president Fleetwood Haiya who said the proposal aligns with both FAM and FIFA statutes.
“This is not about removing them from football but aligning them to operate more effectively outside FAM’s political structure,” said Haiya.
He added: “They will now report directly to the FAM executive through relevant sub- Committees. This change will allow us to support their operations more efficiently, especially in critical areas like youth development, coaching, and refereeing.
Aubrey Nankhuni, the chairperson of the National Football Coaches Association, objected to the idea, but delegates had already approved it.
Another executive member Chimango Munthali tried to make an objection but Haiya could not permit him a chance since he is part of the executive, hence could not be making an objection. But, Munthali insisted to ask a question, a move that angered Haiya, who warned to call for security in order to bring the meeting to order.