FAM announced on Wednesday that they will not take part in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) due to “financial constraints.”
The Association says they have made the decision taking into account the various events in which their national teams will be involved during the same period.
“FAM regrets to advise that it has not registered the Malawi Mens National football team, the flames in the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), where qualifiers start next month due to financial constraints,” read part of the statement.
“The program of our various national teams is crammed due to a series of international tournaments that will see the flames participating in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and fulfilling its last 2023 AFCON qualifier against Guinea next month.
“In addition, the Womens National team is also expected to participate in the COSAFA Womens Championship in September, yet we do not have any secure funding for this program,” stated FAM.
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The Flames did not qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place next year. They were unable to progress from Group D, which included Egypt, Guinea, and Ethiopia.
FAM has now shifted its focus towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Malawi is placed in Group H and will compete against Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Liberia, and Sao Tome and Principe.