The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has officially commissioned the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) in Mangochi on Saturday to strengthen football governance and dispute management in the country.
The establishment of the NDRC represents a major milestone in enhancing football governance, transparency, and conflict resolution within Malawi’s football structures. The Chamber will serve as the official framework and mechanism for handling disputes in accordance with FIFA and CAF regulations.
The Chamber will be chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, with Counsel Innocentia Ottober serving as Vice Chairperson. Other members include Commissioner Barbra Nchenga Tsiga, Chiza Nyirongo, and Bernard Ndau.
Presiding over the commissioning, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya described the development as a key component of the Association’s ongoing governance reform and football transformation agenda, saying it demonstrates FAM’s commitment to promoting accountability, integrity, and justice across all football-related matters.
“This is a historic step in our quest to build strong, independent, and transparent football governance systems,” said Haiya. “The NDRC will help us handle disputes professionally and in line with international standards, ensuring that every football stakeholder is treated fairly.”
This initiative aligns Malawi with FIFA’s global standards under Circular No. 1876, ensuring that disputes involving players, clubs, coaches, and agents are resolved fairly and efficiently within football structures — not through courts.
