Malawi renames regional leagues as part of reforms

Malawi regional football leagues have been renamed as part of efforts to align the competitions with the new national football pyramid.

In a statement, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says its Executive Committee approved the renaming of regional leagues at its meeting held on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

The association says it renamed the second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-tier leagues following a similar change to the top-flight, which is now called the Premiership.

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Why the regional leagues are being renamed in Malawi

Previously, the top-flight was called the Super League. However, it was renamed after securing sponsorship from FDH Bank it is now called the FDH Bank Premiership.

“Following this rebranding, the current football league structure presented a naming inconsistency within the national football pyramid,” reads the statement.

“The introduction of the ‘Premiership’ as the official top-tier competition created redundancy with the continued use of the term ‘Premier Division’ at the regional level, despite these leagues being several tiers below the elite division.

“Additionally, the existence of the National Division League between the Premiership and the Regional Premier Division Leagues further diminished the appropriateness of the ‘Premier Division’ title at the regional level.”

FAM has since asked its affiliated member associations to adopt and implement the new league structure with immediate effect.

“Therefore, to establish a clearer, modern, and professionally aligned football pyramid, the Regional Leagues will be renamed as follows:

The new structure will be as follows.

Tier 1: Premiership

Tier 2: National Division League

Tier 3: Regional Division League One

Tier 4: Regional Division League Two

Tier 5: District Championship

Regional League Naming Structure

Regional Division League One

Southern Region Division League One

Central Region Division League One

Northern Region Division League One

Eastern Region Division League One

Regional Division League Two

Southern Region Division League Two

Central Region Division League Two

Northern Region Division League Two

Eastern Region Division League Two