Zambia’s Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu has made it clear in Parliament that the Andrew Kamanga-led Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) administration will no longer be in charge of the country’s football matters after February 28, 2025.
The FAZ leadership, according to the minister, will no longer exist unless fresh elections are conducted and a new executive is constituted in accordance with the FAZ Constitution.
The minister emphasized that as of February 29, 2025, the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), being a government institution, will be responsible for administering football matters in the nation.
“Consequently, the president and the executive committee will have no powers to continue administering the business of the Football Association of Zambia beyond 28th February, 2025 unless elections are held and a new executive is constituted as per the Constitution.” The minister told Parliament on Thursday.
The action reflects government dissatisfaction with the current leadership of FAZ and emphasizes a drive for election processes to take back control of the football body.
The action will probably be controversial to Zambia’s football fraternity, FIFA, and others.
FIFA has historically resisted government interference in the running of football, historically imposing sanctions on nations where political interference disrupts football administration.
The unfolding scenario can, therefore, have significant implications for Zambian football, such as the national team participating in international competitions.
All eyes will now be on how FAZ responds to this directive and whether or not elections will be held to fit the minister’s timeline.
Below is the video of Minister of Sports’ speech in Parliament:
