FIFPRO & Copper Queens Sign A Historic $100,000 Image Rights Deal

FIFPRO & Copper Queens Sign A Historic $100,000 Image Rights Deal

In a groundbreaking move, FIFPRO, the global union for professional footballers, has signed a historic four-year image rights collective agreement with the players of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Copper Queens from Zambia. The deal, valued at $100,000 (about K2,700,000), is a landmark achievement, marking the first-ever payout for a national team in Zambia.

Under this agreement, FIFPRO grants the Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ) the right to use the image rights of the players for the permitted purpose until the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. FIFPRO will disburse $25,000 annually to FAWUZ, which will then distribute the amount among the 25 Copper Queens players.

At the cheque presentation ceremony, FAZ (Football Association of Zambia) general secretary praised FIFPRO and FAWUZ for the landmark pay-out, emphasizing its significance in the development of women’s football in Zambia. The yearly amounts, totaling $100,000 over four years, will make an invaluable difference in the lives of the players, acknowledging their contributions to football.

FAWUZ president Sandras Kumwenda described the signing agreement as historic, emphasizing its role in advancing the welfare and working conditions of women footballers in Zambia. He called on sponsors and cooperating partners to support women’s football and urged clubs in the Women’s Super League to offer professional contracts and remuneration packages to female players.

Copper Queens vice-captain Grace Chanda expressed gratitude to FIFPRO and FAWUZ for delivering the package and encouraged the continuation of such programs to promote women’s football.

The full list of beneficiaries includes goalkeepers Catherine Musonda, Eunice Sakala, Hazel Nali; defenders Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Banda, Judith Soko, Mary Mulenga, Vast Phiri, Esther Siamfuko; midfielders Ireen Lungu, Hellen Chanda, Evarine Susan Katongo, Mary Wilombe, Susan Banda, Comfort Selemani, Avell Chitundu; and strikers Xiomara Mapepa, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Hellen Mubanga, Grace Chanda, Barbra Banda.