FIFA Freezes Funding to Zambia’s Football Association After Losing Case Against Former Coach
FIFA Freezes Funding to Zambia’s Football Association After Losing Case Against Former Coach
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) faces a significant financial setback as FIFA has frozen its funding following the loss of a legal dispute against former national team coach Aljosa Asanovic. The case, which was adjudicated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), revolved around FAZ’s failure to pay Asanovic his salary, amounting to US$41,000, during his nine-month tenure as the Chipolopolo coach starting in January 2022.
In a public statement, FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed the association’s receipt of the CAS verdict. He stated, “We wish to confirm that we are in receipt of the verdict by the International Court for Sports Arbitration (CAS), which has upheld the decision by the single judge to award former coach Aljosa Asanovic for unlawful dismissal.” The court found that FAZ had unlawfully terminated Asanovic’s contract and thus owed him the unpaid salary.
As a consequence of the ruling, FIFA has decided to freeze development funds allocated to FAZ until the outstanding debt is fully settled. Kamanga warned that failure to pay the due amount promptly could lead to more severe consequences, including potential sanctions such as a ban from international tournaments. This development places FAZ under significant pressure to resolve the financial dispute to avoid further repercussions that could affect Zambia’s participation in international football.
The freezing of FIFA funds is a critical issue for FAZ, as these funds are vital for the development and maintenance of football programs within the country. The association will now need to secure alternative means to settle the debt and ensure compliance with the CAS ruling to restore funding and avoid further penalties.
This situation underscores the importance of sound financial management and contractual compliance within football associations, as failures in these areas can lead to severe legal and financial consequences, impacting the development of the sport at all levels.
