Masters FC have been awarded three points and a 3-0 victory over Karonga United after the latter declined to resume their FDH Bank Premiership match despite the restoration of floodlights at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) announced the decision on Monday, October 19, 2026, through its official website, following the abandonment of Sunday’s match on October 18.

The match was stopped in the 78th minute after the stadium floodlights went off, forcing players and officials to halt proceedings.

According to SULOM, power was restored after 25 minutes, while match officials and the Match Coordinator made repeated efforts to ensure that both teams returned to the pitch to complete the fixture.

However, Karonga United declined to resume play despite the interventions, leading to the match being called off.

In its ruling, SULOM said it had considered the incident reports, the restoration of the floodlights and Karonga United’s refusal to continue before awarding Masters FC the victory.

The league governing body cited Article 23 of its 2026 Rules and Regulations, which provides for forfeiture in applicable circumstances involving abandoned matches.

SULOM also referenced Article 23.3, which outlines procedures for match cancellations resulting from force majeure, including floodlight failure, alongside Law 7.5 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, which generally provides for abandoned matches to be replayed unless competition rules or organisers determine otherwise.

Meanwhile, Karonga United will face disciplinary proceedings over their role in the abandonment, with SULOM confirming that the club will be required to answer to the appropriate disciplinary authorities under the applicable regulations.

The league has also launched investigations into the cause of the floodlight failure and the adequacy of the stadium’s backup power arrangements.

SULOM said further action would be taken if necessary after the investigations, adding that it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the competition, improving match-day safety and ensuring that fixtures are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

The decision brings an administrative conclusion to the abandoned fixture, although the league’s investigations into the stadium’s power failure are still ongoing.