Referee assaulted during NBM FAM Cup Final in Ntchisi

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

A referee identified as Rabison Kafakale was assaulted during the final match of the NBM FAM Cup held in Ntchisi District after he ended the football match before full time.

The incident occurred after the referee blew the final whistle earlier than expected, a decision that reportedly angered some individuals at the venue.

According to Ian Kapondera, the Chairperson of the Ntchisi District Football Committee, the referee decided to end the match early because both teams arrived late at the stadium.

Kapondera explained that the late arrival of the teams forced the referee to deduct time from the match which ultimately led to an early conclusion of the game.

However, Kapondera was quick to condemn the attack on the referee, stating that assaulting a match official is unacceptable and deeply embarrassing for the sport.

Following the incident, the prize-giving ceremony for the tournament has been suspended as authorities conduct investigations to identify those responsible.

The investigation is currently ongoing, and officials have indicated that appropriate action will be taken once those at fault are identified.

At the time the match was stopped, Ntchisi Tigers were leading Nthondo Select by two goals to one.