Zambia’s women’s football team faces the risk of being excluded from the upcoming Olympics following a warning from FIFA to suspend the country’s football association (FAZ). The threat stems from allegations of money-laundering offences against FAZ president Andrew Kamanga and claims of undue influence by third parties.
Kamanga and several associates were recently charged by Zambia’s drug enforcement commission for allegedly obtaining government funds under pretences. It is alleged that these funds were used to finance trips for FAZ representatives to the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Despite denying the charges, the situation has attracted FIFA’s attention, prompting their member associations officer, Kenny Jean-Marie, to request documents related to the accusations from FAZ.
In addition to the legal issues surrounding Kamanga and his associates, FIFA directed FAZ to hold their scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM) despite an injunction filed in Zambia’s high court to stop the meeting. However, a judge upheld the injunction, preventing the AGM from taking place and scheduling another hearing for Thursday.
Despite qualifying for the Olympic Games earlier this month, the team’s future remains uncertain amidst the ongoing investigations and administrative turmoil within the football association.
