FIFA to Send Mission to Zambia – Kamanga

24.05.2024 | Football in my DNA

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has disclosed that FIFA will be sending a delegation to Zambia on a fact-finding mission following the aborted annual general meeting on April 27, 2024.

Kamanga revealed that Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant is the best person to provide insights on the inclusions and omissions for his 27-member provisional squad ahead of the back-to-back FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Morocco and Tanzania.

Speaking on Supersport’s flagship show, Soccer Africa, Kamanga explained that FIFA would assess the situation that led to the indefinite postponement of the AGM after two non-members obtained an injunction to halt the congress.

"As we speak today, the injunction has since been taken out of court, and FIFA indicated last week they are sending a mission to understand exactly what happened," Kamanga said.

Kamanga expressed confidence that Zambia's situation was different from those that typically lead to the installation of a Normalisation Committee. He emphasized that the issue stemmed from third-party interference rather than government interference, likening it to a situation in Kenya.

“The underlying issues still remain the directive and the violation that we did not proceed with the congress,” he said.

Kamanga also touched on recent legal troubles, including his own arrest for alleged criminal offences. He noted that the Chipolopolo coach would address squad selection matters in an upcoming press briefing.

“The coach will explain who he has picked and why he has made those decisions. We can only give guidance,” he said, addressing backlash over certain player selections.

Kamanga highlighted Grant's achievements, noting that he met the target of Africa Cup of Nations qualification and was on course for the World Cup.

"The minimum target for him was to qualify the team for AFCON, which he did, and obviously qualify the team for the World Cup," he said.

Kamanga praised the success of the Copper Queens under coach Bruce Mwape, noting their qualifications for multiple WAFCONs and the Olympics. However, he acknowledged the negative allegations surrounding the women's game and emphasized ongoing efforts to maintain high safeguarding standards with FIFA's support.

Kamanga concluded by highlighting constitutional reforms as his biggest legacy, aligning the FAZ constitution with FIFA statutes and limiting office tenure to three terms.

Credit: FAZ