By Chisomo Phiri
Arsenal supporters who had planned a celebratory procession on May 30 this yeer in the capital Lilongwe to mark winning the English Premier League (EPL) after 22 years have cancelled their plans.
According to the group’s spokesperson, Mike Bango, the decision follows advice from the police, who informed them that they would not be able to provide security for the event on the planned date.
He said during discussions about organizing the procession, police stated they would be occupied with preparations for the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation meeting, scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 June this year.
Bango said as law-abiding citizens, Arsenal supporters have decided to follow the police’s guidance, despite the fact that the two events are on completely different dates.
He added that the organizing committee will meet soon to discuss refunds for money that had already been contributed by supporters for the event.
Meanwhile, supporters in other parts of the country held similar celebrations over the past weekend.
Arsenal secured EPL championship on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, when their closest challengers, Manchester City, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth.
The Gunners last won the EPL title in the 2003/2004 season under former head coach Arsène Wenger, when the club famously completed the league campaign unbeaten, earning the nickname ‘The Invincibles.’
Since then, the club’s supporters around the world have waited more than two decades to celebrate another league championship, making this year’s success particularly emotional for fans in Malawi and beyond.
