Malawi FA official cleared of sexual misconduct

Malawi women's national team, the Scorchers. Photo Credit: Football Association of Malawi

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has cleared its Executive Committee Member Daud Mtanthiko of sexual misconduct, which involved a member of the senior women’s team during a recent trip to South Africa.

Chairperson of FAM’s commission of inquiry, Madalitso Kuyera, released its findings on May 10, 2025, in Blantyre. Mtanthiko was exonerated of allegations that he sexually abused Hazviperi Mbizi, a member of the FAM Media Sub-Committee, during the Scorchers' trip to South Africa last month.

However, the commission has recommended that Mtanthiko should face a disciplinary hearing for misconduct and dishonesty. Mtanthiko remains suspended until that process is exhausted.

FAM has disclosed that the Malawi Human Rights Commission is also investigating the matter.

The findings are contrary to earlier media reports suggesting that Mtanthiko was abusing a player for the women’s team during the trip to South Africa for friendlies against Banyana Banyana.

Media reports claim that the FAM official sent text messages and entered the hotel room of the player to demand sex. However, the player did not yield to the demands even after being promised money.

Media reports suggest the incident happened during the Scorchers’ trip to South Africa for friendlies. The Scorchers lost 3-0 to Banyana Banyana on April 5, and 2-1 on April 8, 2025.