The Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ) has encouraged players to remain committed to their careers despite ongoing salary and contractual disputes with their clubs.

Sandras Kumwenda, FAWUZ president said the union’s core mandate is to serve and protect players by ensuring they operate in an environment that supports their growth, development, and welfare.

“Our appeal to you, the members, and to our players is that you use our strong voice and influence as a union and not take matters into your own hands through training, boycotts,and withdrawal of labor even under frustrating circumstances,” Kumwenda said.

“Let the union represent you in all your difficulties, including the challenge of unpaid salaries and dues,” he added.

Kumwenda acknowledged that unpaid salaries and contractual disputes remain a major challenge for footballers in Zambia, stating,

“We have, however, noted with deep concern that not all our clubs have paid players as agreed in their contracts,” he said.

He further expressed concern over growing cases of players at club and national team level allegedly going unpaid for their services.

“We continue to learn of increased incidents where players at clubs, even at the national team level, go unpaid for their services. This is very disturbing, especially since the footballers, whether men or women, depend on this career to live and also support their families,”Kumwenda said.

FAWUZ is there for players.

“Our commitment is that we will continue to engage constructively to ensure the dues that are owed are paid,” he said.

Kumwenda noted that FAWUZ has recorded success in helping players obtain justice through dialogue and legal channels.

“We are happy to inform you that FAWUZ has had a great record of winning cases and getting justice for our players. Our approach is not confrontational but positive engagement,” he said.

He added that where dialogue fails, the union escalates matters through FAZ judicial bodies and, where necessary, to FIFA.

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