FIFA has put Zambian football on notice: resolve your governance mess, or face suspension. In a letter dated March 5, 2025, to Reuben Kamanga, General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the global football authority raised alarms over internal disputes and government meddling that threaten the sport’s independence in the country. The warning follows months of turmoil surrounding FAZ’s leadership elections, with rival factions, allegations of misconduct, and a controversial push by Zambia’s National Sports Council to intervene.
A Crisis Unfolds
The trouble kicked off in late 2024 when FAZ scheduled an elective general assembly to choose new leaders. What should have been a routine process spiraled into chaos. Disputes erupted over candidate eligibility, with some accusing FAZ officials of rigging the system. Others pointed fingers at the Zambian government, claiming it was pulling strings behind the scenes—a red line for FIFA, which demands its member associations remain free from outside influence.
In February 2025, the National Sports Council stepped in, proposing a transitional committee to oversee a fair election after FAZ disqualified eight candidates from contesting the Association’s Presidency, leaving incumbent Andrew Kamanga as the sole candidate for the March 29, 2025 election. But FIFA isn’t buying it. In its letter, signed by Elkhon Mammadov, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, the organization warned that such a move could violate its rules if not handled properly. Without swift action, Zambia risks being sidelined from international football, a decision that would fall to FIFA’s higher bodies.
Stakes Are High
A suspension would be a gut punch to Zambian football. The national team, the Chipolopolo, could be barred from World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations, stalling a resurgence fans have been cheering for after years of struggle. Local voices are already sounding the alarm. “This could set us back a decade,” said Gift Chibale, a Kafue-based football analyst. “We’re finally building momentum—losing that now would be devastating.”
FIFA’s letter, also shared with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), urges FAZ to act fast and keep them in the loop. But as of now, FAZ leadership has stayed silent, leaving fans and players in limbo.
What’s Next?
The clock is ticking for FAZ to prove it can clean house without crossing FIFA’s lines. Will it overhaul its election process and push back against government overreach? Or will infighting and delays force FIFA’s hand? For a nation passionate about its football, the outcome will shape more than just the sport—it’s a test of whether Zambia can rally to save its place on the world stage
Kalumbu Lumpa is a Media Practitioner in Zambia. He writes in his personal capacity.
