The Industrial Relations Court in Blantyre has ruled that the Football Association of Malawi unlawfully dismissed former Flames coach Patrick Mabedi, according to Nation Online. In a ruling delivered on Monday, IRC deputy chairperson Wyson Nkhata stated that FAM terminated Mabedi's contract in October 2024 while Malawi still had a chance to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. The court also invalidated a performance target linked to the COSAFA Cup, noting the national team withdrew during a period of national mourning. While Mabedi is demanding around K156 million in compensation, Nkhata ruled that the exact payout will be determined at a separate assessment hearing. FAM lawyer Luciano Mickeus confirmed the association plans to appeal, arguing the dispute belongs before a football tribunal.
In other football administration news, FAM is actively searching for a new national cup sponsor after FDH Bank plc shifted its financial backing to the Super League. Nation Online reports that FAM president Fleetwood Haiya confirmed discussions are ongoing to secure a partner before the 2026 season kicks off next month. Meanwhile, FAM has unveiled three nominees for the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Player of the Tournament award. According to the association's official website, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets forward Maxwell Gasten Phodo and defender Blessings Mpokera are shortlisted alongside Silver Strikers midfielder Festus Duwe.
Defending league champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have been busy in the transfer market this week. The club announced the signing of centre-back Ahmad Kung'unde on a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract with Mighty Wanderers, according to the official Bullets website. The team also secured goalkeeper McLean Mwale from Karonga United on a three-year contract, goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira on a two-year deal, and former Silver Strikers defender Emmanuel Kaunga.
Update: As the Malawi national team prepares for the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Botswana, head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has faced an early setback. The official FCB Nyasa Big Bullets website reports that defender Blessings Mpokera has withdrawn from the provisional squad due to a minor knee injury. Mpokera was released upon arriving at camp and has returned to his club for recovery, leaving Pasuwa to evaluate the remaining local players before the team travels to face Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.