“When the sponsor is a last born”
Following the announcement by FDH Bank Plc to suspend all sports-related sponsorships in Malawi, fans have responded with a mix of sharp criticism and humor after the chaotic collapse of the 2026 FDH Bank Premiership launch at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the bank expressed deep concern and disappointment, citing the impact of an ongoing dispute between Super League of Malawi and Football Association of Malawi on its commercial interests and brand image.
“The unfortunate impasse between Super League of Malawi (SULOM) and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) undermines the commercial viability of our partnerships and negatively impacts FDH Bank Plc brand image,” the statement reads.
The bank said the suspension will remain in place pending a review to assess whether its partnerships align with its brand values and expectations, and to determine the appropriate course of action.
Saturday’s much-anticipated season opener between Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United failed to take place after referees did not show up, despite both teams completing pre-match preparations and fans filling the stadium.
The disruption stemmed from a standoff over the use of Kamuzu Stadium, which had been excluded from the list of approved venues for the 2026 season due to certification concerns, but was still selected by SULOM to host the opening fixture.
As the fallout unfolded, fans took to social media, with some mocking the development as “view once sponsorship” while others joked that “when the sponsor is a last born.”
And TNM, the former sponsors, could not let the impasse go by without comment. The telecommunications company posted a tongue in cheek message yesterday: “Umakonda zinthu zowononga moyo wako koma suzindikira. It’s time to switch to TNM.” Many people have connected the post to the chaos at Kamuzu Stadium, even though it was shared before the FDH Bank suspension was announced, implying the two are unrelated.
However, other supporters defended the bank’s decision, describing it as a necessary step to protect its brand and insisting that sponsors must be respected amid the ongoing turmoil in Malawian football.
FDH Bank suspended sponsorships — total K7.58 billion
