Andrew Mdzumira

Its critical moment for Malawi football. Will the league be left without its principal sponsor following the latest governance wrangles between key football authorities?

Uncertainty has emerged over the future of football sponsorship in Malawi after FDH Bank Plc announced the immediate suspension of all its sports-related partnerships.

In a statement issued on 26 April 2026, the bank said it was acting following “deep concern and disappointment” over recent developments in local football.

The decision follows the failed official launch of the 2026 FDH Bank Premiership at Kamuzu Stadium, where the opening match between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United did not take place due to a standoff between the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

At the centre of the dispute is the use of Kamuzu Stadium, which FAM had earlier excluded from its list of approved venues. Despite this, Sulom scheduled the season opener at the facility, prompting a confrontation between the two bodies over compliance with competition regulations.

“As a result, FDH Bank Plc has immediately suspended all sports-related sponsorships and activities pending review,” reads part of the statement, with the bank warning that the impasse “undermines the commercial viability” of its investment and negatively affects its brand image.

The bank sponsors the league worth K5 billion, FDH Bank Netball Premiership amounting to K1.2 billion, Malawi Schools Sports Association sponsorship with an amount of K360 million, Mayor’s Trophy valued at K22 million. The bank also sponsors the Malawi Men’s Football team, the Flames to the tune of K1 billion.

The bank further said it will conduct a comprehensive review to determine whether its partnerships “align with its corporate values and expectations,” a process that will guide its next course of action regarding sponsorship of the country’s top-flight league and other football activities.