FAM to get K43.35bn from Fifa

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is expected to receive about $25 million (K43.35 billion) from Fifa’s Forward development programme over four years.

The allocation, which translates to about $6.25 million (K10.84 billion) annually, is part of Fifa’s proposed increase in investment across its 211 member associations, confederations, zonal and regional associations and other stakeholders to $6.35 billion.

Fifa says the enhanced Forward development programme will be aligned with the development of women’s and youth football, long-term football projects and infrastructure.

FAM has welcomed the development, describing it as timely and an opportunity to accelerate the transformation of football in Malawi.

Haiya: This is welcome

and timely. | Nation

“This is a welcome and timely development that will enhance our football transformation agenda as it will help to promote specific programmes and projects, including youth, and women football,” reads the statement.

“Part of the money will well be directed towards football infrastructure improvements and capacity building programmes.

“As FAM, we really appreciate Fifa’s gesture which is coming at a time our football is gaining momentum both on the continent and globally,” said FAM president Fleetwood Haiya.

Meanwhile, football fans have urged FAM to prioritise the construction and upgrading of facilities across the country to improve access to international football.

Currently, only the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture-owned Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe is certified to host international matches.

Mzuzu-based Elijah Tana Nyirenda appealed to FAM to consider the Northern Region.

“Remember us in Mzuzu please Mr. President. We also want to watch international games,” he said.

David Joshua also called for more international-standard stadiums in Blantyre, Mzuzu and Mangochi.

“More international stadiums are needed. At least we could have one in Blantyre, Mzuzu and Mangochi, apart from the one that we already have,” he said.

Ethel Fanny Msukwa also urged FAM to prioritise infrastructure and women’s football.

“Please, invest the money in building more and quality sports infrastructure and women’s football,” she said.

However, the funding is not yet available for immediate disbursement, as Fifa is still to finalise the distribution framework and associated accountability requirements.

According to Fifa, the eligibility criteria, application and approval processes, disbursement arrangements, financial controls and audit requirements will be finalised by the relevant committees before consideration by the Fifa Council at its next meeting in December 2026.

The development comes just four days after Confederation of African Football (CAF) also increased annual subventions to its 54 member associations by 33 percent, raising the maximum allocation from $525 000 to $700 000.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the increase during the week, saying it was part of efforts to strengthen football development and make the game across Africa self-sustaining.

In a statement, CAF said the additional funding was intended to help member associations strengthen football development structures, invest in youth and women’s football, improve administration and governance, and establish sustainable programmes.

The post FAM to get K43.35bn from Fifa appeared first on Nation Online.