Walter Nyamilandu dismisses Haiya’s defamation claim, Vows legal Fight

Former Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president and current parliamentarian Walter Nyamilandu has brushed aside a K200 million defamation claim filed against him by FAM president Fleetwood Haiya, describing the case as legally baseless.

Through his lawyer, David Kanyenda of Blackstone Chambers, Nyamilandu has confirmed receiving what he termed a “so-called demand letter” from Haiya’s legal representatives, following statements Nyamilandu made on the Face2Face Podcast on January 15, 2026 regarding the recent FAM elections.

“In our professional estimation, the claims by FH are totally devoid of legal merit and in due course we shall formally reply accordingly,” said Kanyenda.

“We shall deploy our entire arsenal of legal resources and talent in order to vigorously contest any legal proceedings FH may initiate against our esteemed client.”

Kanyenda added that Nyamilandu’s legal team will seek outright dismissal of any contemplated action, along with costs, which he believes could exceed the K200 million being claimed.

Haiya’s demand letter accuses Nyamilandu of making defamatory remarks during the podcast, where Nyamilandu alleged that his removal from the FAM presidency amounted to a “coup-de-tat” orchestrated by the previous MCP government due to his political affiliation with the DPP.

Haiya is demanding a retraction of the statements and compensation for damages.

However, Nyamilandu’s legal team has signaled that they are prepared to fight the matter in court should Haiya proceed with legal action.