Stoppila Sunzu, Rainford Kalaba, and Nathan Sinkala, who were already at the center of a conflict between their national federation and their club Tout Puissant Mazembe (TPM), now find themselves facing arrest warrants. The trio, initially sent by TPM to Zambia for examination after claiming to be injured, left the country hastily for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) without official documents, according to the immigration ministry.
The players had been part of a dispute between TPM and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) over their release for a friendly match against Brazil. While TPM cited injuries, it was speculated that the club was concerned about the players’ availability for the CAF Cup semi-final second leg against Stade Malien. FIFA intervened, instructing TPM to adhere to international obligations for players’ release.
TPM eventually allowed the players to undergo examination in Zambia to demonstrate good faith. However, after being declared fit by the Chipolopolo doctor, Sunzu, Kalaba, and Sinkala left for the DRC without their passports being confiscated by the Zambian national team management. The players now face charges of illegal exit from the territory, and the Zambian government has declared that they must face the law without protection.
