The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has advised all clubs, match officials, players, supporters and other football stakeholders to take precautionary measures in view of the heatwave currently being experienced in the country.
In a media release dated 23rd October 2026, FAM said the advisory has become necessary following prevailing high temperatures being recorded in most parts of Malawi, which pose a risk to the health and safety of players and match officials.
According to the statement, FAM has outlined three key measures to safeguard the health of all involved. The first is mandatory cooling breaks, where match officials must ensure that cooling breaks are provided in both halves, preferably around the 25th and 70th minutes, with additional measures where necessary depending on weather conditions.
They say clubs must provide sufficient drinking water for players and technical officials before, during and after matches to maintain proper hydration throughout the game.
The association has stressed medical preparedness, directing match organisers to ensure that medical personnel and first aid facilities are readily available to respond promptly to heat-related emergencies.
FAM emphasised that the safety and well-being of players, match officials and supporters must remain a priority at all times, and that football should not be played at the expense of people’s health.
The association has since urged all clubs, match commissioners and referees to cooperate in implementing these precautionary measures throughout the period of high temperatures.
FAM has further reminded the football fraternity that football safety remains everyone’s responsibility.
