Report: Copper Queens Coach Nora Häuptle Quits and Files $1 Million Complaint to FIFA

03.04.2026 | Football DNA

Augustine Mukoka, a seasoned journalist has reported that Nora Häuptle, the head coach of the Zambia women's national football team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, has allegedly resigned from her position and filed a complaint with FIFA claiming constructive dismissal.

According to Mukoka, Häuptle is reportedly demanding close to $1 million (approximately K18 million) in compensation. The claim allegedly includes payment for the remainder of her contract, which is said to run until January 2028, as well as outstanding winning bonuses and accrued interest.

The Swiss coach is also alleged to have argued that her working environment became untenable due to actions by officials within the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), particularly the association’s National Women’s Representative. Mukoka further reported that Häuptle believes the circumstances surrounding former assistant coach Enala Phiri could strengthen her constructive dismissal case.

According to the report, Phiri had initially served as one of Häuptle’s local assistant coaches but was later dropped from the technical bench following a team trip to China. It was allegedly established at the time that the assistant coach had been inciting some players to undermine the head coach.

The situation reportedly escalated when FAZ later appointed Phiri as an analyst during the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament without Häuptle’s knowledge. Upon discovering Phiri’s presence near the team, the coach allegedly ordered her and others to leave the team hotel.

Mukoka further indicated that tensions grew when Häuptle did not attend the COSAFA Women's Championship, after which FAZ appointed Phiri as one of the assistants. Häuptle is said to have protested the decision and is now reportedly using the development as part of the basis for her constructive dismissal claim.

The report also alleges that Häuptle believes these actions had the backing of FAZ official Col. Katoba, with whom she is said to have had a strained relationship. At the same time, sources cited by Mukoka claim that the coach had also been perceived as dismissive toward FAZ leadership and had allegedly resisted calls to spend more time working from Zambia.

Mukoka further revealed that Häuptle had previously filed a similar claim in May 2025, less than six months after taking up the role. The matter was reportedly raised shortly before the former FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, lost office in an election. When the new FAZ leadership assumed office, it is said to have negotiated a settlement that allowed Häuptle to continue in her position.

Records cited in the report also indicate that FAZ has allegedly paid all contractual dues owed to the coach up to date, despite her proceeding with the latest claim.

Meanwhile, the Copper Queens are scheduled to participate in the upcoming FIFA Women's International Match Calendar Series in Brazil from April 11 to 18, which will form part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to take place between July and August.

More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.