FIFA President's Historic First Visit to Malawi: Offers Condolences for Late Vice President

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, visited the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Wednesday, June 12, during a period of national mourning in Malawi. The visit marked a historic first for Infantino in Malawi and followed the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Kenya held at the stadium a day earlier.

Infantino's visit took on a poignant tone as he paid his respects to the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, who tragically died in a plane crash. Originally scheduled to meet Vice President Chilima, Infantino instead extended his condolences to Chilima’s widow, Mary Nkhamanyachi Chilima, and Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera.

"The coming of the FIFA President is indeed historical. We would have loved him to come in a situation of joy.

Unfortunately, we are in grief, and we are grateful to him for showing solidarity during this period of sorrow. This shows that football unites people globally," said Fleetwood Haiya, President of the Malawi FA.

During his visit, Infantino also met with Malawi's sports minister and PSG forward Tabitha Chawinga.

Chawinga emphasized the importance of the FIFA President's visit for the development of football in Malawi. "It’s very important for the FIFA President to visit Malawi. I had the opportunity to meet him, and we discussed how he could help Malawi develop its football," the 28-year-old stated.

Infantino's trip, which began on Tuesday, June 11, focused on fostering opportunities for children in football. His presence in Malawi underscores the unifying power of football and its potential to bring hope and development, even amidst national tragedy.