Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) have warned against elements of violence and hooliganism in women’s football, saying the incidents threaten the game’s reputation and family-friendly status.

The warning comes after inaugural National Bank of Malawi Women’s Premiership champions Silver Strikers Ladies Football Club were charged for alleged incident involving match officials and the clubs’ officials and supporters during their fixture  against Civil Service Women at Silver Stadium last Saturday.

In a charge sheet dated October 21, FAM competitions committee has slapped Silver Ladie of  misconduct.

The charge sheet reads: “The first count relates to the alleged throwing of an object at match officials, contrary to Article 29.1, read together with Articles 29.1.1 and 29.9.1 of the NBM Women’s Premiership Rules and Regulations.

“The second count concerns the club’s alleged failure to ensure order and security following the match, contrary to Article 29.6 of the competition’s Rules and Regulations.”

FAM communications officer Collins Nsunza in an interview yesterday said the association will not allow elements of violence and hooliganism to tarnish women’s football’s image.

He said: “Women’s football has always been known for its family-friendly atmosphere and we are determined to preserve that environment as the game continues to grow.

““FAM has invested significantly in the development of women’s football, and we cannot allow isolated incidents of violence to undermine the progress we have made.

“We will continue enforcing competition rules and regulations to ensure that those found responsible for misconduct are held accountable through the appropriate disciplinary processes.”

The Silver Ladies case is the second to result in a women’s football team to facing formal charges.

FAM also fined MK Academy K1.5 million in February after the club boycotted three Women’s Premiership fixtures against MDF Lionesses, Ascent Soccer and Mighty Wanderers Queens.

Last season, Silver Ladies technical panel and players were also involved in a fracas as they protested Wanderers goalkeeper Esther Chauluka being named Player of the Match award following a 1-0 defeat to Silver.

Officials later reversed the decision and presented the award to Silver forward Deborah Henry.

On her part, NWFA chairperson Adellaide Migogo in an interview said clubs must follow proper channels to lodge complaints.

She said: “I strongly condemn such behaviour. Dissatisfaction with officiating should never lead to threats or violence against referees.

“We must respect match officials and promote discipline, respect, and fair play in women’s football.”

Football analyst Twaha Chimuka said the growing interest in women’s football appear to be accompanied by negative behaviour associated with men’s football.

“I would not be surprised that the same culprits responsible for violence and hooliganism in men’s football, are the ones that are suspects,” he said.

“Football clubs must act swiftly to nip this in its bud. We cannot allow these people to taint women’s football’s good image.”