FIFA has officially released the list of Malawian referees approved to officiate international matches for the 2026 calendar year.
The approved list features a total of 17 officials, comprising six centre referees, nine assistant referees and two beach soccer referees. Among the notable changes, Emily Chathamthumba has been included following the retirement of Bernadetta Kuyimbira, while Rose Zimba has returned to the FIFA International Referees List. Eness Gumbo remains Malawi’s only Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the 2026 season.
Mathews Ngwira and Solomon Siliwonde have been approved as beach soccer referees, ensuring Malawi’s continued representation in the discipline.
In line with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or seek renewal for existing officials on the FIFA International Referees List. The process is overseen by the FAM Referees Committee, which ensures that all nominees meet FIFA’s strict eligibility requirements, including fitness and medical assessments.
Following internal evaluations, the nominations are submitted to FIFA for final approval, with the world football governing body reserving the right to reject any nominee who fails to meet its standards.
Referees approved by FIFA are eligible to officiate international matches and wear the FIFA badge from January to December 2026, with continued inclusion subject to performance assessments. The FIFA badge remains the property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.
The full list of approved officials is attached.
