FAZ Suspends Referee Joseph Kalunga After Controversial Atletico vs. MUZA Match

04.03.2025 | Football DNA

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has suspended FIFA referee Joseph Kalunga for the remainder of the season following his controversial officiating during the Week 26 MTN Super League match between Atletico Lusaka and FC MUZA. The match, which ended 2-1 in favor of Atletico Lusaka, sparked widespread debate over key refereeing decisions.

FAZ Responds to Poor Officiating

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed Kalunga’s suspension, stating that the decision was based on recommendations from the Technical and Match Review Committee within the Referees Department. The committee, composed of FIFA and CAF instructors and assessors, reviewed video evidence and found Kalunga’s performance to be substandard.

"A video clip in which Mr. Kalunga awarded a penalty to MUZA FC in the match against Atletico Lusaka on March 1, 2025, was forwarded to the Technical and Match Review Committee," Kamanga stated.

"The committee’s review concluded that Kalunga was wrong to have awarded the penalty, among other contentious decisions that led to crowd trouble."

FAZ Enforces Strict Standards for Officiating

Kamanga emphasized that FAZ would continue to take a zero-tolerance approach toward poor officiating, especially as the league approaches its crucial final stages.

"At this stage of the league, we will only use referees who are committed to upholding high standards of officiating and not bringing our beautiful game into disrepute."

Another High-Profile Suspension This Season

Kalunga is the second high-profile referee to face disciplinary action this season. Earlier, Shem Nyondo was also suspended following his performance during the Week 17 fixture between Kabwe Warriors and Nkana FC on December 18, 2024, at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.

With tensions running high in the league, FAZ's latest action sends a strong message that poor officiating will not be tolerated, ensuring fairness and credibility in Zambian football.

Credit: FAZ