World football governing body Fifa president Gianni Infantino has condsoled the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and victims of the tragedy that occurred at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe on July 6, which left eight people dead and over 60 others injured following a stampede.
In a letter dated July 12 addressed to FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, which the Weekend Nation has seen, Infantino states that: “It was with shock and great sadness that I Iearned of the tragic stampede at BNS, which caused the death of eight people and injured more than 60 others, most of them children, during the independence day celebrations.
“On behalf of Fifa and in my own behalf, I extend my sincerest condolences to you, your association, the clubs [MC Big Bullets and Silver Strikers], as well as to the entire football community in Malawi.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died, as well as those that were injured, and the international football family extends its greatest sympathy to them at this cruel moment in time. We hope that this message of solidarity may, in some small way, be a source of support and comfort for them.”
On his part, Nyamilandu said they are touched by Fifa’s kind sentiments.
“It shows that they are concerned about the tragedy that led to the loss of lives and injuries.
“FAM is equally concerned with the unfortunate incidents that marred the independence celebrations [and] as a member of the task force, we will play our rightful role in investigating the matter to identify the root cause of the problem and how it can be avoided going forward.
“Health and safety at football matches is our number one agenda and we will always strive to ensure that this is not compromised in any way,” he said.
