FAZ Boss Champions Refereeing Reforms, VAR Training

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing refereeing standards in Zambia, emphasizing the role of officials in the development of the game.

Speaking during the second phase of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training, Mweemba said improving officiating has been a cornerstone of his leadership since assuming office.

“Since taking office, we have taken deliberate steps not only to improve the welfare of the men and women in black but also to enhance the overall standards of match officiating in our country,” he said, highlighting the recent announcement of revised officiating fees, a move long overdue.

The ongoing VAR training, enrolling 41 officials, reflects Zambia’s growing role as a trendsetter in African football. Mweemba noted that the country already benefits from instructors and referees with experience at COSAFA, AFCON, and FIFA tournaments, including retired FIFA referee Janny Sikazwe, Gladys Lengwe, Bernard Chabala, Oliver Mweene, Bruno Tembo, among others.

“This VAR project aligns perfectly with our broader strides in the game, including our new broadcast deal which opens doors for further partnerships,” Mweemba said, adding that support from COSAFA, CAF, and FIFA would accelerate the eventual implementation of VAR in the Zambian league.

He encouraged participants to fully leverage the opportunity, noting that such training is available to only a handful of countries on the continent. Mweemba also praised innovators developing more user-friendly VAR software, reducing reliance on heavy equipment and making training more accessible.

The FAZ president concluded by expressing gratitude to COSAFA, CAF, and FIFA for facilitating the programme and reiterated the association’s commitment to raising the bar in officiating across all levels of Zambian football.