[ad_1]
Zambia’s women could avoid playing in this summer’s Olympics after FIFA threatened to suspend the country’s football association amid accusations of money-laundering offenses and “undue influence by third parties” against its president.
Andrew Kamanga, who has been FAZ president since 2016, was last week accused by Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission of obtaining government funds under false pretenses and being part of a fraud conspiracy. He allegedly used the money to pay for two associates to travel to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Madalitso Kamanga and Jairus Siam, who traveled to the tournament as part of FAZ’s support staff, were also charged along with General Secretary Reuben Kamanga. All have denied the allegations.
A quick guide
How do I sign up for sports breaking news alerts?
show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play Store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the latest version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sports notifications.
FIFA member associations official Kenny Jean-Marie wrote in a letter to FAZ last Friday that world football’s governing body was “interested” in the arrests. He requested “copies of any documents received in connection with the allegations” by Tuesday.
The letter directed FAZ to hold its scheduled AGM last weekend despite an injunction, accusing Kamanga of changing the association’s constitution without following procedure, which was filed in the High Court of Zambia to prevent it from taking place. It is learned that the ban was brought by the suspended club owner. The letter warned that failure to hold an AGM would provide possible grounds for suspension.
“The order of the High Court of Zambia dated 24 April 2024 clearly shows undue influence by third parties, which may be considered a violation of Article 19 Paragraph 1 of the FIFA Acts and Article 7 Paragraph 1.g. of the CAF Acts,” it read. “For the avoidance of doubt, please note that a breach of the provisions of the FIFA and CAF Acts may be grounds for suspension of the FAZ.
“We would like to remind you that a suspended member association cannot exercise any of its membership rights. The representative teams and affiliated clubs of this federation can no longer participate in international competitions until the suspension is withdrawn. In view of the above, FAZ is directed to hold its annual general meeting.
The judge upheld the injunction on Saturday and scheduled another hearing for Thursday, meaning the AGM will not be allowed to take place. “We respectfully attended the court to apply for the discharge of the injunction but the court rejected our application and set a new date for the inter parte hearing on Thursday,” Ruben Kamanga said in a statement. “We advise our members to remain calm and pledge to keep them informed at all stages.” “It is too early to say whether there will be immediate consequences from FIFA,” Kamanga added.
After the newsletter campaign
Zambia’s women’s team qualified for the Olympics this month after beating Morocco 3-2. He is still being coached by Bruce Mwape, who is believed to be staying FIFA is investigating Allegations of misconduct before and during the Women’s World Cup last year were first made in the Guardian. He has denied the claims.
[ad_2]