06/03/2025
FIFA WARNS ZAMBIA OVER THIRD-PARTY INTERFERENCE IN FAZ AFFAIRS
World football governing body threatens FAZ with sanctions if government interference persists.
Lusaka, Zambia, March 6 – FIFA has issued a strong warning to the Zambian government and the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) over what it deems third-party interference in the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) affairs.
In response to the NSCZ’s recent move to withdraw recognition of the FAZ executive just weeks before its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Livingstone, FIFA has cautioned that continued interference could lead to severe sanctions, including a potential suspension of FAZ from international football activities.
In a letter addressed to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov made it clear that FAZ, like all FIFA member associations, is required to manage its affairs independently without government intervention.
“We refer to your letter dated 27 February 2025, which contained the letter of the Director/CEO of the National Sports Council of Zambia (Sports Council), also dated 27 February 2025, in which he proposed the following steps: the establishment of a transitional committee; the establishment of an independent electoral committee; FIFA engagement; and a comprehensive review of the electoral process,” Mammadov wrote.
“In this context, we would like to remind you that every member association of FIFA is statutorily obliged to manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties, including governmental bodies (cf. art. 14 par. 1 let i) and art. 19 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes).”
FIFA further warned that should a transitional committee be imposed on FAZ, the association would be in violation of FIFA statutes, leading to serious repercussions.
“Any breach of this obligation may lead to sanctions provided for in the FIFA Statutes, even if the third-party influence was not the fault of the member association concerned (cf. art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes),” FIFA stated.
“As a result, should this Transitional Committee be indeed established, FAZ would be at risk of breaching the abovementioned statutory provision. Should this happen, FIFA will have no other option but to submit the matter to its relevant decision-making body for consideration and decision, which might also include the suspension of FAZ.”
FIFA has pledged to continue monitoring the situation in Zambia and will not hesitate to take further action if government interference escalates.
Meanwhile, FAZ has informed the NSCZ that it will hold an executive committee meeting on March 7, 2025, to approve financial statements ahead of the March 29 AGM.
“As per constitutional requirement, Exco must approve the financials before they are sent to the members. We are on course for the March 29, AGM with all the constitutional requirements fulfilled as per FIFA-approved roadmap,” FAZ stated.
With FIFA’s stern warning in place, the Zambian government and the NSCZ face a critical decision—either allow FAZ to operate autonomously or risk a FIFA suspension, which could see the national team and clubs barred from international competitions.
©Nkani Online 2025
