FIFA has officially confirmed the list of Malawian referees approved to officiate international football matches in 2026. The announcement highlights Malawi’s continued presence in global football officiating and reflects steady progress in referee development across the country.
The list, released ahead of the new calendar year, includes 17 Malawian match officials. These referees will be eligible to handle FIFA-sanctioned international fixtures from January to December 2026, provided they continue to meet performance and fitness standards.

Composition of the 2026 Referees List
The approved officials are spread across different roles and football formats. According to FIFA’s confirmation, the list consists of This broad representation allows Malawi to maintain visibility across multiple levels of international football.
Key Changes and Notable Inclusions
Several changes stand out in the 2026 list.One of the most notable inclusions is Emily Chathamthumba, who joins the international panel following the retirement of experienced referee Bernadetta Kuyimbira. Her selection reflects FIFA’s continued support for developing new officials, particularly women referees, at the international level.
At the same time, Rose Zimba has returned to the FIFA International Referees List. Her comeback adds experience and depth to Malawi’s officiating team and strengthens the country’s representation in regional and global competitions.
VAR and Beach Soccer Officials
In the area of technology-assisted officiating, Eness Gumbo remains Malawi’s only FIFA-approved Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the 2026 season. As VAR continues to play a bigger role in international football, his position remains crucial for Malawi’s involvement in modern officiating systems.
Meanwhile, Mathews Ngwira and Solomon Siliwonde have been approved as beach soccer referees. Their inclusion ensures Malawi stays involved in international beach soccer tournaments, which continue to grow in popularity across Africa and beyond.
The Nomination and Approval Process
Each year, FIFA requires its Member Associations to submit nominations for referees seeking international recognition. In Malawi, this process is managed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Committee.
Before any nomination is sent to FIFA, referees undergo a strict internal evaluation process. This includes Only referees who meet all required standards are recommended for international duty.
Once nominations are submitted, FIFA conducts its own review. Importantly, the world football governing body has the final say and may reject any nominee who fails to meet its eligibility criteria.
FIFA Badge and Performance Monitoring
Referees approved for the international list are authorised to wear the FIFA badge during official matches throughout the year. However, this status is not permanent.
FIFA continuously monitors referees’ performances during the season. Officials who fail to maintain required standards risk removal from the list. The FIFA badge also remains the property of FIFA and is issued on a yearly basis.
Importance for Malawian Football
The approval of 17 international referees is a significant achievement for Malawi. It shows growing confidence in the country’s officiating standards and highlights long-term investment in referee training and development.
International exposure not only improves the skills of individual referees but also raises Malawi’s profile within African and global football structures.
As the 2026 football calendar approaches, Malawi’s referees will carry the responsibility of representing the nation with professionalism, fairness, and consistency on the international stage.
