Football tensions have erupted in Ntcheu, where stakeholders are now openly challenging the Central Region Football Association over the leadership of an interim committee managing district football affairs.
At the centre of the storm is a claim that the committee has overstayed its 90-day mandate, raising questions about legality, accountability and control of football structures in the district. Stakeholders say what was meant to be a short-term arrangement has now stretched beyond its limits.
The standoff has now spilled beyond Ntcheu, as stakeholders have petitioned the Football Association of Malawi, with copies also sent to the Malawi National Council of Sports and the Central Region Football Association itself, demanding urgent intervention and a return to what they describe as proper constitutional order.
The dispute stems from the CRFA’s decision in June 2025 to dissolve the Ntcheu District Football Association (DFA) committee and appoint an interim committee to manage football activities during a transitional period.
In a letter dated June 17, 2025, the committee was tasked with coordinating district football activities, preparing teams for the 2025 season, realigning football zones and facilitating elections within 90 days.
However, stakeholders argue that the interim committee has continued operating despite the expiry of the timeframe set for its assignment, raising questions over the legitimacy of its continued stay in office.
They claim that the prolonged existence of the CRFA-appointed committee has created uncertainty among clubs, players, referees and football administrators, while affecting the growth and organisation of football at grassroots level in Ntcheu.
In their petition, the stakeholders argue that the committee no longer has constitutional authority to continue managing the affairs of the Ntcheu DFA.
They maintain that new office bearers should be elected through recognised constitutional structures, including an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
The stakeholders have called on the CRFA to respect football governance procedures and end what they describe as an unconstitutional extension of an interim arrangement.
They have also urged FAM to intervene and ensure that elections are conducted to restore confidence and stability within Ntcheu football structures.
The interim committee appointed by CRFA was headed by Ezra Chodzadza as chairperson, with Clement Mafula serving as general secretary and Essau Chumile as treasurer, alongside other members. Its initial role was to provide temporary leadership and prepare the district for a return to an elected administration.
As pressure mounts, attention is now on FAM and the CRFA to respond to the concerns raised by stakeholders and provide direction on the future of football leadership in Ntcheu.
Stakeholders say resolving the dispute is critical to restoring confidence and allowing clubs, players and football structures in the district to move forward.
Neither the CRFA nor the interim committee had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
At the centre of the storm is a claim that the committee has overstayed its 90-day mandate, raising questions about legality, accountability and control of football structures in the district. Stakeholders say what was meant to be a short-term arrangement has now stretched beyond its limits.
The standoff has now spilled beyond Ntcheu, as stakeholders have petitioned the Football Association of Malawi, with copies also sent to the Malawi National Council of Sports and the Central Region Football Association itself, demanding urgent intervention and a return to what they describe as proper constitutional order.
The dispute stems from the CRFA’s decision in June 2025 to dissolve the Ntcheu District Football Association (DFA) committee and appoint an interim committee to manage football activities during a transitional period.
In a letter dated June 17, 2025, the committee was tasked with coordinating district football activities, preparing teams for the 2025 season, realigning football zones and facilitating elections within 90 days.
However, stakeholders argue that the interim committee has continued operating despite the expiry of the timeframe set for its assignment, raising questions over the legitimacy of its continued stay in office.
They claim that the prolonged existence of the CRFA-appointed committee has created uncertainty among clubs, players, referees and football administrators, while affecting the growth and organisation of football at grassroots level in Ntcheu.
In their petition, the stakeholders argue that the committee no longer has constitutional authority to continue managing the affairs of the Ntcheu DFA.
They maintain that new office bearers should be elected through recognised constitutional structures, including an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
The stakeholders have called on the CRFA to respect football governance procedures and end what they describe as an unconstitutional extension of an interim arrangement.
They have also urged FAM to intervene and ensure that elections are conducted to restore confidence and stability within Ntcheu football structures.
The interim committee appointed by CRFA was headed by Ezra Chodzadza as chairperson, with Clement Mafula serving as general secretary and Essau Chumile as treasurer, alongside other members. Its initial role was to provide temporary leadership and prepare the district for a return to an elected administration.
As pressure mounts, attention is now on FAM and the CRFA to respond to the concerns raised by stakeholders and provide direction on the future of football leadership in Ntcheu.
Stakeholders say resolving the dispute is critical to restoring confidence and allowing clubs, players and football structures in the district to move forward.
Neither the CRFA nor the interim committee had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
