The Confederation of African Football (Caf) Friday dropped a bombshell after it excluded Bingu National Stadium from the list of approved venues for the 2024/25 Inter-Club competitions.
This means FCB Nyasa Big Bullets risk playing their Caf Champions League first leg match against Red Arrows from Zambia away from home.
The first leg matches in the first preliminary matches are expected to be played between August 16-18 before the second leg between August 23 and 25.
According to a document from Caf dated July 11, 2024, addressed to Member Associations, which Malawi News Sport has seen, the ban is specifically for the Caf Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
“This list is specific for the 1st and 2nd preliminary round of the Caf inter club 2024/25. The final list of approved stadiums for the indicated match days may be updated. Subject to the Caf stadium inspection procedure in place,” the Caf document reads in part.
However, Bullets could be handed a lifeline to play their matches at BNS as Caf is still assessing some of the facilities.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the development.
On his part, Bullets interim Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga said Fam has told them it has engaged Caf on the matter.
“We are aware of the current situation of BNS. We have just been informed so we are yet to meet as a club. But while we are waiting for the final list, we will start looking at other options in neighbouring countries,” Chigoga said.
If BNS does not get a second chance, Bullets will have to look for available facilities in neighbouring nations like Tanzania and Mozambique.
The bombshell comes as Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, are expected to host Burundi in Group L of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in September.
This has also come as a surprise after the facility hosted three matches in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June.
It hosted the match between Malawi and Sao Tome and Principe before it was used as home ground for Kenya against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast.
Ministry of Youth and Sports in conjunction with Fam have purchased technical area luxury seats for the facility.
BNS was also banned three years ago which forced the Flames to play their matches at Orlando Stadium in South Africa
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