The Malawian FA (FAM) has announced the withdrawal of the national team from both the CHAN qualifiers and AFCON qualifiers due to a lack of funding.

FAM made the announcement this weekend following an executive committee meeting. According to FAM the government was not able to provide funding for the national teams leaving the association without a choice but to withdraw from both qualifiers.

FAM said it was ready to face sanctions from CAF as well.

Part of a statement from Malawian FA read:

“During several rounds of consultations and discussions it was very clear that due to the current economic problems, the Government will not be able to provide funding for the team for it’s participation in the above two tournaments.”

“Having considered all the available options, an in accordance with required notices for withdrawal, it was further resolved that the Malawi National Senior Football team be withdrawn from CHAN Competition by 31st March, and from AFCON by 30th April 2017 due to lack of funding.”

“FAM would like to inform the general public and all its stakeholders that it is fully aware of the negative implications including fines and suspension such withdrawal may attract. However, in its consideration, such withdrawal and its negative implications cannot be avoided looking at the current level of desperation that the Senior National Football team is in terms of funding and overall support.