Malawi’s historic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup has provided a major boost to women’s football in the country, while also strengthening Malawi Football Association president Fleetwood Haiya’s support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Malawi secured a place at the World Cup by reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, marking a landmark achievement for the country’s women’s national team.
Haiya told Reuters that Malawi’s breakthrough demonstrated the value of FIFA’s investment in football development, particularly in countries where limited resources have traditionally restricted opportunities for young players.
I still support Infantino.” Haiya said.
His support comes as Infantino faces scrutiny over FIFA’s financial and commercial plans and prepares for the next FIFA presidential election.
Haiya said he believed African football associations had benefited from the greater financial support available under Infantino’s leadership.
He pointed specifically to FIFA programmes supporting grassroots development and women’s football.
The Malawi FA chief argued that the country’s achievement should be viewed in the context of the challenges facing football infrastructure across the nation.
Malawi has talent, he said, but lacks adequate facilities and resources to give that talent sufficient opportunities.
We have the talent, but we lack the resources to provide our girls and boys with the platform to showcase that talent.” Haiya explained.
The achievement of the women’s national team therefore carries significance beyond qualification for a major tournament.
It provides evidence that investment in women’s football can create opportunities for countries that have traditionally struggled to compete with Africa’s biggest footballing nations.
Malawi’s progress comes at a politically important moment for FIFA.Infantino’s proposal to raise approximately $4.2 billion through the sale of a stake in commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions was withdrawn after attracting controversy.
The proposed plan would have included substantial financial distributions to FIFA member associations, with a $20 million grant included in the next funding cycle and potentially larger payments for associations participating in the proposed arrangement.
Haiya acknowledged that the proposal had been withdrawn for good reason but maintained that smaller football nations continue to require significant investment.
He also said he would welcome competition for Infantino at the next FIFA election, arguing that any challenger should clearly explain what they would offer developing football associations.
They should tell us what they are going to bring.” Haiya added.
For Malawi, however, the immediate focus remains on the extraordinary achievement of its women’s team.
The World Cup qualification has placed Malawi on football’s global stage and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa.
For Haiya, the achievement also serves as an argument that continued investment in the continent can produce tangible results.
