Malawi FA requires consent for use of Scorchers’ brand, warns companies

Football chiefs have issued a blunt warning to companies and individuals looking to cash in on the Scorchers’ historic achievement — declaring that anyone using the team’s name, image or brand for commercial gain without permission will be shut down.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) fired off the stark public notice after the Malawi National Women’s Football Team’s stunning qualification for the WAFCON 2026 Finals sent the nation into raptures — with businesses apparently scrambling to jump on the bandwagon.

While FAM gushed with pride over the Scorchers’ “outstanding performance,” the association made clear the celebrations have a limit — and that limit is anyone trying to make money off the team’s success without asking first.

In no uncertain terms, FAM warned companies, organisations and individuals that using the team, its players, officials, name, images, logos or branding for endorsements, adverts, promotions or marketing campaigns requires its explicit green light.

“Accordingly, all companies and individuals are urged to desist from using the team or its members to endorse or promote products, services, brands or commercial activities without prior authorisation,” the notice thundered.

Anyone hoping to strike a commercial deal involving the Scorchers has been told to get in line — with all requests now required to go through [email protected] before a single poster or campaign can be published.

But FAM was quick to insist it wasn’t trying to spoil the party for ordinary fans.

The association confirmed there are no restrictions whatsoever on Malawians sharing congratulatory messages, flyers, posters or social media graphics celebrating the team — as long as there’s no product, brand or service being flogged alongside it.

The association said the crackdown was designed to protect the “interests, image and commercial rights” of the players and officials, ensuring the team’s landmark achievement is celebrated “in a coordinated and respectful manner” — rather than exploited by opportunistic marketers.

FAM, which is affiliated with FIFA, CAF and COSAFA, closed its notice by thanking Malawians for their support, while urging everyone to celebrate the historic qualification — but strictly within the rules.