Football Association seeks financial independence for Zambian football

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Andrew Kamanga, has announced that the local governing body is actively exploring ways to achieve financial independence and reduce reliance on government funding for the national teams.

During the official opening of the FAZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, Kamanga highlighted the unsustainability of government covering camp and travel expenses, as well as winning bonuses for both the senior men’s and women’s national teams, due to competing fiscal demands.

Kamanga outlined several initiatives aimed at ensuring the association’s financial sustainability, including the issuance of a US$10 million Chipolopolo bond to fund operations.

He also mentioned efforts to restructure FAZ’s debt and balance sheet, such as proposed debt-swap arrangements with institutions like the Zambia Revenue Authority.

These measures aimed to gradually reduce FAZ’s dependence on government grants for daily activities.

Meanwhile, the government praised FAZ for handling internal disputes without resorting to legal action.

Football House faced turmoil after the Lusaka High Court halted the initial AGM two months ago following a lawsuit by banned football administrator Damiano Mutale against Kamanga for alleged constitutional changes.

Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, commended FAZ’s administrative resolution of conflicts, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the association.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, Nkandu echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for amicable resolutions over legal battles.

“I am glad that this meeting has finally taken place as it reflects the ability of the association to resolve issues as a football family. Allow me to echo the message by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, on the need for us to resolve issues amicably rather than take issues before the courts of law,” Nkandu stated.

The AGM is set to address various football developmental issues and review the association’s operations over the past year.

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