Rachael Kaphaizi

While 14 Super League clubs have secured full licences, Civil Service United and Creck Sporting Club are racing against a 21st May 2026 compliance deadline.

Following a review by the Club Licensing First Instance Body (FIB) on 4 April 2026, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) found that both clubs did not meet all requirements for the 2026/27 season. They have therefore been issued licences with sanctions.

If outstanding issues are not resolved by 21 May, each club will start the season on minus four points. Continued non-compliance will attract an additional three-point deduction per month in a tightly contested league.

The 14 clubs that met all licensing standards are Mighty Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Ekhaya FC, Red Lions FC, Goshen City Dedza Dynamos, MAFCO, Kamuzu Barracks, Blue Eagles, Masters FC, Mitundu Baptist, Moyale Barracks, Karonga United and Chitipa United.

FAM Competitions and Licensing Manager Clement Kafwafwa credited reforms in the lower divisions for the improved compliance culture.

“What we are seeing now is a continuation of the good foundation that was laid during their time in the National Division League. The licensing culture introduced there has helped clubs become more structured, competitive and professional,” he said.

He noted that three years ago many clubs struggled with basic requirements such as audited accounts, youth structures, and qualified technical staff. Today, newly promoted sides like Ekhaya FC and Mitundu Baptist are meeting all criteria at first attempt.

“We hope to see all teams fully compliant in the coming years,” he added.

For Civil Service United and Creck Sporting Club, the next 30 days will be decisive—on and off the pitch.