By Shaffie A Mtambo
Today, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) marked a significant milestone in the country’s football history as 16 referees received their 2025 FIFA Referee Badges. The ceremony, held at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima, was presided over by FAM President Fleetwood Haiya.
In his remarks, Haiya expressed his pride in the achievement, stating that the FIFA badge is an “international badge” that symbolizes excellence in refereeing. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of Malawian referees.
The ceremony saw 16 referees receive their FIFA badges, including four new recipients. This achievement is a testament to the growth and development of football refereeing in Malawi. Haiya attributed the success to the engagement of Malawian referees in various activities, such as video assistant referees (VARs).
Malawi’s refereeing prowess has been on the rise, with the country exporting more referees than ever before in 2024. This achievement has been recognized internationally, with Malawian referees officiating in various global competitions.
As the new season approaches, the recipients of the 2025 FIFA Referee Badges are poised to play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and excellence in Malawian football. With the country’s refereeing standards on the rise, football fans can expect an exciting and competitive season ahead.
The 2025 FIFA Referee Badges Presentation Ceremony serves as a celebration of Malawi’s achievements in football refereeing and a testament to the country’s commitment to developing the sport.
