Frank Mojah Dzuwa
Despite warnings from the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) against the entry and sale of beverages in glass bottles at football stadiums, Wa Ganyu investigations have established that glass bottles are still freely entering and circulating inside match venues.
On 23 October 2025, Sulom issued a statement announcing a total ban on the sale of beverages in glass bottles, including alcoholic drinks, inside and around stadium premises.
“No selling of beverages in glass bottles, including alcoholic drinks will be allowed inside or around the stadium,” reads part of the statement.
Barely a week later, on 31 October 2025, FAM, through its Competitions and Communications Director, Gomezgani Zakazaka, told The Nation Newspaper that the association had tightened alcohol regulations.
“The policy is no glass bottles, but disposables only. We allow the sale of alcohol, but in designated controlled areas,” said Zakazaka.
Contrary to this, Wa Ganyu can reveal that enforcement of these rules remains weak as supporters enter match venues with glass bottles with other bribing officials for easy passage.
On November 2, 2025–Blantyre Derby
During the TNM Super League Blantyre Derby between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium, Wa Ganyu observed vendors entering the stadium with glass bottles hidden under cooler boxes and mixed with other drinks to avoid detection by security personnel.
On November 5, 2025—Wanderers Vs Ekhaya FC
Before kick-off of the match between Wanderers and Ekhaya—later abandoned in the 54th minute due to heavy rains—supporters were seen with glass bottles in the covered stand, according to Wa Ganyu observations.
On November 9 2025 – FDH Bank Cup Final
At the FDH Bank Cup final between Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium, Wa Ganyu again observed supporters entering the venue with glass bottles without interference from security officials.
On November 26 2025 – Wanderers Vs Mighty Tigers
On this date, Wa Ganyu conducted spot checks at Kamuzu Stadium during the match and at around 13:40 hours, several supporters in the open stands were found openly carrying and drinking alcohol from glass bottles.
December 20, 2025 – Mafco vs Silver Strikers
Wa Ganyu observed glass bottles of alcohol in the open stands during the TNM Super League match between Mafco and Silver Strikers.
December 27, 2025 – Last Day of the TNM Super League Season
On the final day of the 2025 TNM Super League season, Wa Ganyu carried out further spot checks at several match venues to assess compliance with the glass bottle ban.
At Bingu National Stadium, during the match between Mighty Wanderers and Kamuzu Barracks, glass bottles were present. Similar observations were made at Kamuzu Stadium during FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Vs Mzuzu City Hammers, and at Silver Stadium where Silver Strikers hosted Blue Eagles.
Corruption allegations at Stadium Gates
As part of the investigation, Wa Ganyu sought to understand how vendors are able to gain easy access with prohibited bottles. One vendor disclosed that bribes are paid to gate personnel, especially during high-profile matches.
“Amwene, tikangowapatsa K2 000 basi tilowa. Imani pompo muone tikulowa ndi crate,” said the vendor and just like that, a crate full of glass bottles passed the gate during a Wanderers match against Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
FAM’s competitions manager Gomegzani Zakazaka says the association only allows the sale of beverages in disposable bottles and that is a condition for accredited people into the stadium.
“We have been engaging security agents but also empowering clubs security teams to be at the forefront of ownership in curbing this.
“However, we still face challenges as the glass bottles somehow find their way into the stadium. It’s something our security stakeholders will review as we go into the off season so that we should be able to eliminate the practice next season,” said Zakazaka.
On his part, chair for safety and security at Sulom Ronald Chiwaula said the measures that Sulom did put forward on glass bottled drinks is a standard safety and security measure approved by FIFA and Caf for the safety of both the players and supporters.
“It is quite unfortunate if what you are saying that the glass bottles are being smuggled into stadiums is true, however extra security measures will be applied to make sure such habits are stopped and that if found those involved will face the consequences,” he said.
Safety concerns and FIFA Regulations
The continued presence of glass bottles contravenes FIFA safety regulations, which prohibit glass containers due to their potential to cause serious harm during crowd disturbances.
