The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is currently conducting its quarterly referee fitness tests in all the regions of the country.

On Saturday, the Central Region held its session at the Bingu National Stadium upper pitch, where referees from all nine districts in the region participated.

A total of 201 referees underwent the tests, with only 23 failing to meet the required standards.

Speaking after the session, FAM Referees Manager Duncan Lengani expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, saying the referees are responding positively to the fitness requirements.

“This fitness test is designed to assess the mobility and endurance of our referees. Most of them have done very well, which is quite impressive.

“We are happy with the level of commitment being shown. Only a few referees failed the test, and we will give them six weeks to improve before being retested. According to our policy, those who do not pass are not allowed to officiate matches until they meet the required fitness levels.” said Lengani.

So far, FAM has conducted the fitness tests in Karonga (June 14) and Mzuzu (June 15). The exercise will continue on Sunday, June 22, at Kamuzu Stadium, for referees from the Eastern and Southern regions.