The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has urged elite referees to uphold integrity and distance themselves from corruption, warning that malpractice could destroy their careers.
Speaking during the opening of the FIFA MA Elite Referees Course 2025 at Mpira Village in Chiwembe, FAM Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of the Referees Committee, Patrick Kapanga, reminded referees of the dangers of engaging in unethical practices.
“You should refrain from corruption, match-fixing, and manipulating results of the game. I always encourage referees to avoid corruption because it is a crime, and in football it can lead to a ban and end one’s career. I would like to remind you and share with you the dangers of being involved in such practices,” Kapanga said.
He further commended the referees for their work in the first round of the Super League, noting that the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) had also expressed satisfaction with officiation so far.
“Indeed, we got communication from SULOM that they were very happy with officiation in the first round. I want to encourage tou not the referees not to be complacent but to aim for excellence, not just good performance. Of course, some did very well while others need to improve, and we have communicated to them to pull up their socks in the second round,” Kapanga added.
Kapanga also highlighted that FAM has put in place several activities, workshops, and monthly training sessions in its referees’ annual calendar to continually build capacity and improve performance.
Meanwhile, FIFA Instructor Tamor Dolly Mahmoud from Egypt, who is leading the course, stressed the importance of keeping referees updated with amendments to the Laws of the Game.
“This course equips referees with knowledge to stay on the same level with their colleagues across the world. Every year, FIFA introduces amendments that come into effect in July. This year one key amendment relates to goalkeepers, if they control the ball for more than eight seconds, it results in a corner kick. These adjustments are meant to make football more understandable for everyone,” said Mahmoud.
FIFA referee Ester Zimba welcomed the course, saying it was crucial in keeping referees aligned with the global game.
“Every year FIFA changes the Laws of the Game, and this time around we have about four major changes. This course is equipping us with in-depth knowledge so that by the end of the week we will be aligned with referees from other countries and the continent at large,” Zimba said.
The five-day course began with a fitness test at Kamuzu Stadium and will run throughout the week, with sessions focused on capacity building, technical updates, and practical application of the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game.
