Seventeen Malawian referees have been awarded FIFA badges for the 2026 football season,
The Football Association of Malawi officially presented the FIFA badges during a brief ceremony held at Livingstonia Hotel on Saturday, 7 January.
The approved contingent comprises six centre referees, nine assistant referees, two beach soccer referees and one Video Assistant Referee VAR, reflecting Malawi’s expanding footprint across different disciplines of the game.
Experienced referee Godfrey Khakanaga heads the list, which also includes new assistant referee Emily Chathamthumba, reflecting both experience and emerging talent among the officials.
Speaking during the ceremony, FAM Referees Committee Chairperson Patrick Kapanga congratulated the referees and challenged them to uphold professionalism and integrity as ambassadors of Malawian football.
“I want to congratulate all of you for how far you have come and urge you to keep your heads high,” said Kapanga.
“For football to progress and professionalism to be enhanced, our referees must demonstrate integrity and discipline. That is why we have motivated them by bringing them here formally dressed, with suits procured by FAM for the first time in Malawi football history, as part of our commitment to motivating referees as we implement the laws of the game.”
Meanwhile, Eness Gumbo, who has been appointed as the only Video Match Official in the country, described the recognition as a major honour.
“It is a blessing and a sign of trust from FIFA and FAM that I can represent them by applying the laws of the game. This has also boosted my confidence to execute my duties effectively,” she said.
The FIFA badge, which remains the property of FIFA, authorises the referees to officiate international matches from January 2026 to December 2026. Continued inclusion in future seasons will depend on performance, fitness and strict adherence to FIFA regulations.
