CAF has ordered the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to pay a fine of over K115,000 (USD 5,000) for Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant’s absence from the mandatory press conference ahead of the CHAN match against DR Congo last Wednesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the CAF Disciplinary Board said FAZ had breached CAF’s Media Regulations.
“Zambia failed to present the head coach at the mandatory press conference. The Disciplinary Board found Zambia guilty and imposed a fine of USD 5,000,” the governing body stated.
Sources revealed to BolaNews that Grant was unhappy with the decision to schedule Zambia’s final training session before the Congo clash at 17:00 CAT, rather than 15:00 CAT, which aligned with the official kickoff time.
While some reports in Kenya have linked the boycott to alleged unpaid salary arrears, sources within the FAZ maintain that Grant’s frustration was solely related to the training schedule.
Zambia went on to lose the match 2-0 to DR Congo before suffering another defeat to Angola. In a five-team group, the back-to-back defeats left Zambia bottom of Group A with zero points, needing victories over Morocco and Kenya while hoping Angola and DR Congo play to a draw to advance.
Angola moved into second place with four points, behind leaders Kenya on seven, while DR Congo and Morocco have three each.
The Chipolopolo Boys have never failed to progress past the group stage at CHAN, with their best finish being third place in the inaugural 2009 edition.
Kenya, Morocco also fined
Meanwhile, CAF has also fined the Football Kenya Federation USD 50,000 for multiple safety and security breaches during their match against Morocco which ended 1-0 in favour of the East African side, warning that repeated violations could see Kenya’s home matches relocated. Kenya was urged to boost security and enforce road closures on match days.
Additionally, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 5,000 — with USD 2,500 suspended — for inappropriate player conduct in the same match.
All the fines must be paid within 60 days, CAF has said.
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