In a dramatic turn of events, the High Court of Zambia has issued an interim injunction restraining the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) from proceeding with its scheduled elections. The ruling, delivered earlier today, effectively halts the FAZ Electoral Process and the highly anticipated FAZ Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for March 29, 2025.
The case, filed by Humphry Mwape Musonda in his capacity as General Secretary of Damiano Academy Football Club, named FAZ President Andrew Ndanga Kamanga and FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga as the first and second defendants, respectively. The Sports Council of Zambia was also cited as a third defendant in the matter.
The plaintiff argued that FAZ’s leadership had overstayed its term and that the electoral process lacked transparency.
According to the court’s ruling, the FAZ leadership is barred from conducting elections until further notice. Additionally, the court has ordered the Sports Council of Zambia to immediately establish a Transitional Committee to take charge of FAZ affairs following the expiration of the current FAZ Executive Committee’s term, which ran from February 27, 2021, to February 28, 2025.
This decision comes amid growing concerns over FAZ’s governance and electoral transparency from aspiring candidates, with stakeholders and clubs raising alarms over alleged irregularities in the upcoming elections.
“I can confirm that FAZ has been served with a court order from Lewis and Nathan Advocates representing Humphrey Mwape Musonda,” FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga said. “There is also a pending court action before the High Court by Elijah Chileshe and Blackwell Siwale to restrain FAZ from proceeding with the AGM.
“All the parties are represented by the same lawyers and FAZ has been left with no choice but to call off the AGM. In light of this development, members will be advised in due course of the next steps.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, FIFA issued a strong warning to the FAZ following a proposal from the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) regarding the establishment of a transitional committee, an independent electoral committee, and a comprehensive review of the electoral process.
In a letter to the FAZ General Secretary, Kamanga, FIFA highlighted concerns that such directives by the NSCZ could violate the organization’s statutes, potentially leading to sanctions, including suspension.
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