FAZ Seeks Payment Deal with Former Coach Asanovic Amid FIFA Funding Freeze

29.07.2025 | Football DNA

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has opened negotiations with key stakeholders in an effort to renegotiate the payment of outstanding funds owed to former Chipolopolo head coach, Alijosa Asanovic.

This development follows FAZ’s unsuccessful appeal against a 2023 ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which ordered the association to pay $1.1 million to Asanovic for breach of contract. The Croatian coach, who took charge of the national team in January 2022, left the role in September of the same year under disputed circumstances.

The situation has further escalated in 2024 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) communicated with FIFA, leading to the suspension of financial support to FAZ until the entire amount is paid in full. This suspension of funding has put significant pressure on the association’s operations.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba confirmed the dire financial implications of the ruling, stating that the frozen FIFA funding has critically affected football development programs across the country. He said that the association has been unable to carry out many of its planned activities due to the funding gap.

“In our current state, paying the $1.1 million in full would deplete our finances entirely,” Mweemba told ZNBC Sport. “That’s why we’re actively engaging Asanovic, with FIFA’s backing, to find a payment solution that is more sustainable for us as a football nation.”

Asanovic’s brief stint as Chipolopolo coach was marred by administrative tensions, with his sudden departure sparking legal proceedings that have now returned to haunt the association.

FAZ remains hopeful that the renegotiation will lead to a resolution that not only satisfies the contractual dispute but also allows Zambian football to refocus on growth and development.

As the discussions continue, the football community waits anxiously for a breakthrough that will unlock much-needed resources and restore momentum to the local game.