Lilongwe City Council Mayor Peter Banda says an apology from Football Association of Malawi (FAM) regarding his manhandling during the NBS Bank Charity Shield match between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Bullets at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday is not enough. In a statement yesterday, the mayor said: “I have read the apology issued by the Football Association of Malawi as well as the statement from NBS Bank [plc] regarding the incident that occurred on 18th April 2026 at Bingu National Stadium during the NBS Bank Charity Shield medal presentation ceremony. “I acknowledge FAM’s statement that the matter arose from a ‘protocol oversight at the operational level’ and that they take full responsibility.

I also note their assurance that they hold the office of the mayor in the highest regard and that corrective measures will be put in place. Banda: It does not close this matter. | Maravi Post “However, an apology alone does not close this matter. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has demanded a formal report within 48 hours, identifying the individuals responsible and explaining the sequence of events and this has been echoed by Malga [Malawi Local Government Association].

I fully support that demand and will await the submission of that report before making any final judgement.” While thanking FAM for the apology, Banda said his position is that he will not accept “any sanitised or evasive account”. Reads the statement further: “I formally invite the leadership of FAM to an audience at Lilongwe City Council. This meeting will serve to discuss the report, ensure that corrective actions are clearly defined and rebuild a working relationship based on mutual respect.

“Football is too important for our youth to be derailed by protocol failures.” The mayor also said his office has been in constructive dialogue with NBS Bank plc regarding several development initiatives for the capital city. Banda also thanked his Blantyre City counterpart Isaac Jomo Osman, who is also Malga president, “for his swift and principled statement in defence of local councils and the dignity of the mayor’s office”. He said: “ I will not be drawn into litigation unless the FAM report reveals deliberate malice.

My duty is to serve the people of Lilongwe, not to escalate unnecessary conflict. However, I will not tolerate any recurrence of such disrespect to the office of the mayor.” Meanwhile, he Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri was expected to meet Malga leadership to discuss the issue yesterday. In its statement of apology FAM said: “The Football Association of Malawi wishes to convey its sincere and unreserved apologies to His Worship the Mayor of Lilongwe, Councillor Peter Banda, the Lilongwe City Council, and the general public following the incident that occurred during the NBS Charity Shield medal presentation ceremony held at Bingu National Stadium on 18 April 2026.” On its part, NBS Bank said: “We regret the incident and distress caudrf to His Worship the Mayor of Lilongwe Peter Banda and we extend our respect to all offices and individuals respected.”