Saboteurs of Zambian Football Face Prosecution – Keith Mweemba warns
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has issued a stern warning to individuals suspected of “deliberate sabotage” and interference with the national team.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mweemba also threatened both internal FAZ sanctions and civil and criminal prosecution.
Mweemba’s declaration comes in the wake of the recent cancellation of international friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia, scheduled for 6th and 10th June 2025 in Morocco, due to players reportedly refusing to travel over unpaid allowances.
Mweemba condemned the player boycott, labelling it “totally unacceptable” and an act of betrayal of the budge.
“As you may be aware, the men’s national team was scheduled to travel to Morocco for FIFA sanctioned friendlies games that are not only part of our preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, but also a matter of national pride,” Mweemba said.
“However, despite frantic efforts to make the trip happen, certain individuals, some of the players included, have refused to travel, citing issues around unpaid allowances from their last outing in Russia and other past dues owed to them. Obviously, these outstanding allowances and other dues are things that we just found in office.”
Mweemba stated that patriotism must never wait for payment adding that playing for the national team is a “privilege, not a right”.
“Let me be very clear here. This is totally unacceptable. I have been informed this is not the first time some of the players have boycotted national team assignments. If your loyalty to Zambia is conditional, then this door may not be yours to walk through in the future. We do not need any I emphasize we do not need anyone who is unpatriotic to this country.”
He added, “We have also received credible reports from impeccable sources of interference and deliberate sabotage of the national team instigated by individuals with vested interests. Let me send a stand first and final warning to those working behind the scenes to destabilize this national project. We are aware of who you are. We are watching and your days of holding Zambian football hostage are numbered.”
