BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FIFA’s confirmation of Malawi’s international referees for the 2026 season has been received as a major boost for the country’s match officials, highlighting growing trust in local refereeing standards.
A total of 17 Malawian officials have been cleared to officiate international assignments in 2026, reflecting Malawi’s continued presence on the global football stage under FIFA’s watch.
The approved contingent is made up of six centre referees, nine assistant referees and two beach soccer referees, demonstrating balanced representation across different officiating roles.
One of the key highlights of the list is the inclusion of Emily Chathamthumba, who steps in following the retirement of experienced referee Bernadetta Kuyimbira, marking a generational transition in women’s refereeing.
Rose Zimba has also reclaimed her place on the FIFA International Referees List, signaling a successful return after meeting FIFA’s stringent reassessment criteria.
In the area of match technology, Eness Gumbo remains Malawi’s sole Video Assistant Referee (VAR), continuing to carry the responsibility of representing the country in this highly specialized role.
Malawi’s footprint in beach soccer has also been maintained, with Mathews Ngwira and Solomon Siliwonde approved to officiate in the discipline at international level.
According to FIFA regulations, all Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for referees, either for renewal or new inclusion, a process coordinated locally by the FAM Referees Committee.
The committee conducts detailed internal assessments to ensure nominees comply with FIFA requirements, including medical clearance, fitness tests and performance evaluations.
Once the nominations are forwarded, FIFA retains full authority to approve or reject any official who does not meet its global standards, underscoring the competitiveness of international refereeing.
Successful referees are permitted to officiate international fixtures and wear the prestigious FIFA badge throughout the 2026 calendar year, although the badge remains FIFA property and is subject to annual review.
Commenting on the development, sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri described the announcement as encouraging for Malawian referees but stressed that professionalism and consistency will be key if FIFA’s confidence is to be sustained.
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