By Andrew Mdzumira

With just two weeks to go before the start of the 2026/2027 elite football season, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), through its Club Licensing First Instance Body, has declared Kamuzu Stadium below the required standard.

The decision comes less than a month before the highly anticipated Blantyre derby between defending champions Mighty Wanderers and their city rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

Nankhaka and Mzuzu stadiums have also been deemed unfit to host official matches.

The ruling follows a comprehensive inspection exercise conducted in March to assess venue readiness ahead of the new season.

The First Instance Body has approved 14 stadiums to host elite competitions.

FAM Club Licensing Manager Clement Kafwafwa confirmed that stadium owners were given sufficient time to rectify deficiencies identified during an earlier inspection in January.

“We gave all venue owners ample time to address the shortcomings noted during the initial inspections. Unfortunately, some facilities have not met the required standards,” said Kafwafwa.

He further stressed that FAM will continue monitoring all approved venues to ensure full compliance with club licensing regulations throughout the season.

The facilities cleared to host top-flight matches include Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Chitowe, Champion, Aubrey Dimba, Silver, Civo, Bingu National Stadium, Dedza, Mulanje, Joyce Chitsulo, Zomba, and Mpira Stadiums.

Meanwhile, Owen Malijani Stadium in Kasungu, Balaka Stadium, and Mchinji Mini Stadium have been approved for National Division League fixtures.

The development is expected to affect several top-flight teams reliant on the banned venues, forcing them to consider alternative home grounds as the season approaches.

Kamuzu Stadium, home to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, and Ekhaya FC, also failed the initial inspection last season, prompting owners to scramble to address deficiencies, including inadequate public toilets.