Zambia Faces FIFA Sanctions
Zambia is facing sanctions by FIFA in the next 10 days if it does not resolve its disputes outside the courts. Among the matters referred to in a warning issued by the international body to Zambia are the fallout of a search warrant that was served by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and related allegations.
The DEC raided FAZ offices in June, presenting a warrant to search the premises for drugs, narcotics and related substances. DEC officers were described as “descending on” the institution, from which they removed a laptop and CPU from the office of General Secretary Adrian Kashala, as well as a desktop from his personal assistant.
In relation to the matter FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Veron Mosengo-Omba writes, “As you are duly aware, FIFA shows a zero tolerance to drugs both on and off the football pitch. We therefore support the stated efforts by FAZ to remain available to the relevant authorities in this regard and we ask you to keep us updated with the ongoing investigations. Additionally, and even though we were informed recently of the restitution of the relevant items, we are concerned about the seizure of FAZ computers during the relevant investigation on a matter which relates to Mr Kashala before he assumed the position of General Secretary.”
Another matter relates to the injunction obtained by non-members Damiano Mutale and Patson Lusaka in order to stop the FAZ elections, which is now in the Constitutional Court.
The letter highlights FAZ’s obligation to operate without third party interference and the fact that article 63 of the association’s constitution prohibits disputes from being taken to ordinary courts of law. As such any court ruling in Zambia would be seen as third party interference and will result in sanctions by FIFA.
It further notes that FIFA is actively reviewing a written complaint submitted by the Minister of Sport against FAZ.
The warning comes as FAZ prepares for the resumption of the League on July 18th.