FAZ In High-Stakes Talks To Renegotiate $1.1m Debt To Ex-coach Asanovic
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has initiated high-stakes talks with key stakeholders in an effort to renegotiate the payment of $1.1 million owed to former Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic.
The move comes after FAZ suffered a legal blow in 2023 when FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee upheld a ruling mandating the payment as compensation for breach of contract. The financial strain intensified in 2024 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) instructed FIFA to withhold funding to FAZ until the debt is settled in full.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba has voiced concerns over the severe repercussions of FIFA’s funding freeze, stating that it has crippled the association’s ability to drive football development in Zambia. Critical programs and planned initiatives have been stalled, leaving the sport in limbo.
With FIFA’s backing, Mweemba revealed that the current FAZ leadership is pushing for a renegotiated payment plan with Asanovic, describing the original $1.1 million demand as a potential financial death knell for the association.
“This amount could completely deplete our resources,” Mweemba told ZNBC Sport, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.
Asanovic, who took charge of the Chipolopolo in January 2022, departed just eight months later, setting off the contractual dispute that now threatens Zambia’s football future.
