FIFA WARNS ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT AGAINST THIRD-PARTY INTERFERENCE IN FAZ AFFAIRS

06.03.2025 | Football DNA

World soccer governing body, FIFA, has issued a warning to the Zambian government regarding potential third-party interference in the affairs of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). The warning follows a letter from the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), in which the council allegedly withdrew recognition of the FAZ executive’s mandate just three weeks before the elective Annual General Meeting in Livingstone.

FIFA has also cautioned that any submission by FAZ to external influence could result in sanctions. In a letter addressed to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, stated that should Zambian authorities persist in attempting to dictate the electoral process, the matter would be referred to FIFA’s decision-making body. This could potentially lead to FAZ’s suspension from international football activities.

Mammadov referenced the letter dated February 27, 2025, from the NSCZ’s Director/CEO, which suggested the formation of a transitional committee, the establishment of an independent electoral committee, engagement with FIFA, and a comprehensive review of the electoral process. He reminded FAZ that FIFA member associations are required to manage their affairs independently and without undue external influence, including from governmental bodies. This obligation, he explained, is enshrined in Articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes.

FIFA further emphasized that any breach of this requirement could result in disciplinary action, even if the third-party interference was beyond FAZ’s control. The organization stressed that if a transitional committee were to be established, FAZ would be in violation of FIFA’s statutes. In such a case, FIFA warned that it would have no option but to refer the matter to its decision-making body, which could lead to FAZ’s suspension.

FIFA also indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation in Zambia and would take further steps should the circumstances worsen.

Meanwhile, FAZ has informed the NSCZ that its executive committee will convene on Friday, March 7, 2025, to approve the financial statements in preparation for the March 29 Annual General Meeting. FAZ has stated that the executive committee’s approval of the financials is a constitutional requirement before they are presented to the members.

FAZ remains committed to proceeding with the March 29 AGM, assuring that all constitutional obligations have been met in accordance with the FIFA-approved roadmap.