Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu says the odds were stuck against him when he lost to his Nigerian counterpart Amaju Pinnick during the Fifa Council member elections held on Friday in Morocco.
The FAM president, who served as Fifa Council member for two and a half years, lost by 35 votes for the anglophone bloc seat.
In a statement he released after the elections, Nyamilandu said he was a better candidate with an impressive profile.
Said Nyamilandu: “In all things we give glory to God for everything happens for a reason. I accept God’s will for not retaining the Fifa Council position.
“I gave it my best shot, but I was up against a powerful force. It was clear that the odds were stuck against me as events unfolded. Withdrawing was never an option for me because I am a fighter and not a quitter.
“I take pride knowing that I was the best candidate with the best profile, but the circumstances were beyond my control.”
He described his term as a wonderful opportunity and “a great honour to represent Africa and my country”.
Said Nyamilandu: “I have learnt a great deal and the memories of my time with Fifa will remain forever in my life. Once again, I say thank you to Fifa.”
The FAM boss also paid tribute to his campaign team and those that supported him throughout the campaign.
“You have been my driving force and source of inspiration during the campaign. May the Almighty Lord bless you all exceedingly and abundantly.”
South Africa business mogul and Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe was confirmed Confederation of African Football president following his predecessor Ahmed Ahmed ban for two years due to corruption charges. Fifa slapped him with a five-year ban but the Court of Arbitration for Sports reduced it to two years.
