Haiya blames politics as FAM feud with coaches deepens

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has admitted its relationship with the National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) has deteriorated, with both sides trading accusations over the breakdown.

Speaking  at the opening of a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A coaching licence course at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said he was sad to report the situation.

“I am sad to report that our relationship with the coaches’ body is not good at the moment, but I can assure you that things will be sorted out,” he said.

The absence of NFCA leaders at the opening was noted.

Haiya said the association had allowed politics to overshadow its role in football development and in representing coaches’ interests.

“We want an association that should assist us in the development of the game… A body that prioritises issues that affect its members and not politics,” he said.

NFCA chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni said his leadership had stayed away because FAM had not invited them.

“The event was organised by the mother body [FAM] and they did not invite us. So, how could we have gone there?” he said.

Nankhuni welcomed Haiya’s acknowledgement that relations were strained, and said FAM should lead the effort to resolve the differences.

“As their child, if something is wrong, then we expect the parent to set the pace in addressing differences,” he said.

The dispute dates back to June last year, when FAM revoked the membership of three affiliates at its annual general meeting: the NFCA, the National Youth Football Association and the National Football Referees Association.

The affected bodies went to the High Court, which ordered their reinstatement pending a final determination of the case.