Referee Michael Mwambyale has once again found himself in hot water, after the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Committee handed him a three-month suspension over controversial officiating in a recent TNM Super League match between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Ekhaya FC. The decision marks another setback for the official, who has been previously penalized for similar errors.
The latest incident unfolded when Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi was captured on video grabbing Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju by the neck and appearing to kick him after an aerial collision. Despite the violent nature of the act and its visibility to match officials, no foul or card was issued, sparking outrage from the Bullets’ camp and fans alike.
As a result, Mwambyale has been removed from officiating all FAM and Super League matches for the remainder of the season. He will now officiate in the lower-tier National Division League. Second assistant referee Fanuel Mailosi, who officiated the same match, has also been suspended for two months and similarly demoted. Meanwhile, FAM has recommended a formal reprimand for Missi for his role in the altercation.
This is not Mwambyale’s first brush with disciplinary action. In June 2023, he was suspended for six months along with fellow referees Marko Dzimbasekwa and Alfred Chilinda following a review of several matches marred by poor officiating. The trio’s decisions were said to have significantly impacted game results and undermined the credibility of the league.
Mwambyale’s previous suspension stemmed from a match between Mighty WakaWaka Tigers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, where he controversially failed to award a clear goal and allowed Wanderers’ striker Christopher Kumwembe to stay on the pitch despite being shown two yellow cards. Dzimbasekwa, who served as fourth official, and Chilinda, officiating another match, were also sanctioned for separate officiating blunders.
FAM has reiterated its commitment to improving officiating standards. National Referees Association General Secretary Chris Kalichero emphasized that while human error is inevitable, repeated mistakes cannot be tolerated. “We need to be firm in applying the Laws of the Game. These suspensions are intended to prompt reflection, learning, and ultimately better performance,” he said.
